South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 15 August 1942
Hospital Potato Week
More Ambitious Plans for Next Year
A meeting of representatives at allotment societies in the area of the Montagu Hospital was held in the Board Room at the Hospital on Tuesday, in connection with the “Hospital Potato Week” (September 20th to 26th inclusive), Mr. E. W. Sykes presiding.
A discussion took place on the target for each area, and Mr. Sykes reported correspondence with local authorities giving the numbers of allotments under cultivation.
The Harlington Society had interested themselves in the effort and were represented at the meeting by the secretary who stated that their members were anxious to participate. It was agreed that they should comprise a separate area.
It was agreed to fix the following targets:—Dearne, which comprises Bolton, Goldthorpe and Thurnscoe, with a total of over a thousand allotments, three tons; Wath, with 710 allotments, two tons; Mexborough, with about 600 allotments, 35 cwt.; Swinton, 500 allotments, 30 cwt.; and Harlington 84 members. 5 cwt.
Mr. Laycock (Secretary-Superintendent), told the meeting that the Hospital used 1 cwt. of potatoes per day. Each of the areas will run a competition for the two heaviest potatoes grown by an allotment holder and a prize of ten shillings is to be given in each area, together with an additional prize of ten shillings for the heaviest weight in the whole of the hospital area.
The representatives expressed the view that the object was not so much a competition as a stimulant to encourage donors in their efforts. It was decided that instead of giving money prizes vouchers for the purchase of seeds would be given. In the event of a tie in any of the district or final competitions, the prize would be divided.
Discussion took place on the possibility of organising a flower and vegetable show in the Hospital area during 1943. Many members expressed the view that such a scheme would be welcomed and would prove very profitable for the Hospital. It was resolved that every effort be made to get the movement going and if at all possible a show should be held next year.
Mr. Sykes was asked to contact all allotment society secretaries throughout the area and acquaint them with what has been done and what it is hoped to do and ask them to appoint two delegates to attend a meeting to be held at the Montagu Hospital, on Tuesday September 8th, when final arrangements for the ‘Potato Week’ will be made and from which meeting it is hoped to set up a Committee and elect officials to organise the 1943 show.