On the first day of the show we welcome the National Fruit Show Dinner, this has become one of the major events in the fruit calendar over the years! This year the guests will be seated in the John Hendry Pavilion at the Kent Showground and the menu has been carefully selected to reflect the importance of the sector. Despite the delicious planned menu, the focal point of the event is the after dinner speaker. This year the Marden Fruit Show Society, organisers, welcome esteemed nursery owner Han Fleuren.

Fleuren is one of the largest fruit tree nurseries in the Netherlands,  supplying premium quality apple, pear, cherry and plum trees to fruit growers. The nursery is also responsible for creating new tree shapes and planting systems, which has given them a leading role in the market.  The Fleuren family were responsible for inventing the first “knip-tree”, which have now become the standard for trees bought by apple growers allowing earlier cropping. After 90 years of working with fruit trees to create growing methods which produce more fruit whilst being environmentally friendly, the company has lots to talk about!

After Fleuren talking at this years dinner, the Bonanza Prize will be drawn. This year Wealden AM are sponsoring the prize; Wine Tasting for four people at the wonderful English Wine Centre in East Sussex, set in the South Downs National Park. The prize will include; overnight accommodation, evening meal and a selection of wines to take home.  Competition entry is automatic to the Bonanza Prize and one entry is given for each three staged entries gaining a minimum of 85 points from classes 1 – 19.