Everyone at the annual show of Bideford and District Horticultural Society and Allotments Association

was talking about and admiring the magnificent leeks and other vegetables grown by 73 year old Mr Roland Davis, of 18 Torridge Street, Bideford.

Mr Davis, who is affectionately known to a host of friends as ‘Pinwire’ is seen proudly displaying some of his wonder leeks and in the other hand is holding the Bideford and North Devon Gazette cup which he won for the second year in succession. The trophy is awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most points in amateur and allotment holders’ classes of the show.

Last weekend, produce grown by Mr Davis was used to decorate the Blacksmith Arms for a harvest festival. Mr Davis is a veteran of the first world war during which he served with the 2nd Battalion, the Wiltshire Regiment.

31 October 1952