Champion gooseberry grower loses crown after nine victories

Jim Hart has been top of the leaderboard at Allostock Gooseberry Show for the past nine years.

The keen Knutsford grower has won the Wilfred Lea Cup for the heaviest premier berry since 2013 but lost his crown this year by the closest margin.

Jim Hart with his award-winning premier berry at last year's Allostock Gooseberry Show

A gooseberry grown by Peter Buckles weighed in at the Dun Cow at 26 pennyweights and 17 grains – just one grain more than Jim’s.

Magnanimous in defeat, Jim said: “I didn’t feel deflated.

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“The lad who beat me, I introduced to gooseberries eight years ago and provided him with trees.

“The apprentice always beats you in the end.

“If it had been a 35 pennyweight I’d have felt sick.”

Peter Buckles celebrates after winning the trophy for his premier berry

Jim, who has been growing gooseberries for 23 years, has just celebrated his highest ever record of rosettes at the RHS Tatton Flower Show.

“I had my best year ever at Tatton,” said Jim.

“I won the best single exhibit in the show for a plate of gooseberries.

“And I also won firsts for redcurrants, white currants, blackcurrants, rhubarb, beetroot and shallots plus excellent for my broad beans.

“I thought if I get beat anywhere else, I’ve had my glory day.”

Peter Buckles' premier berry which weighed in at 26 pennyweights and 17 grains

Victor Pete paid tribute to Jim for supplying him with trees and getting him started.

Pete also won the heaviest triplets and twins.

Jim retained the championship show plat and won the new cup donated by Pete Riley in memory of the late George Hughes for the second heaviest twins.

Jim said: “I am competitive. I change my routines a little bit from year to year to try to do better.

“I’m not annoyed at being beaten, these things happen.

“There’s always next year.”