Retford care home resident scoops top prize in national ‘Grow and Show’ competition

A RETFORD care home resident is celebrating after winning the top prize in a national ‘Grow and Show’ competition organised by social care provider Voyage Care.

Robert Smith, who lives at Bracken Villa, scooped the ‘Best in Show’ award at the village fete-style event for his designer waistcoat made from recycled newspapers.

Held at Newark Showground, Grow and Show was open to anyone receiving support from Voyage Care.

Voyage Care chief executive and competition judge Bruce McKendrick said choosing the winners was a ‘tough’ job.

“Grow and Show day is one of the highlights of my year and it seems to get bigger and better each time,” he said.

“This year, we received a record number of entries ranging from soft toys and homemade jams to funny shaped vegetables and fancy cakes.”

“Every entry had clearly been grown or made with real passion and judging by the smiles on the competitors’ faces, a great day out was had by all.”

In true fete tradition, Grow and Show visitors were given the chance to take part in games such as ‘wellie wanging’ and ‘splat the rat’.

They were also able to enjoy a birds of prey display which was staged by Voyage’s Bird and Animal Centre in Lincolnshire and the whole event succeeded in raising £400 for charity.

This figure was subsequently matched by event sponsor Barclays, enabling Voyage Care to donate more than £800 to Doris Banham Dog Rescue – a charity based in Lincolnshire.

Barclays also donated two trophies for the ‘Best in Show’ and ‘biggest pumpkin’ categories and these were presented by the bank’s relationship director, Andy Mayne.

Mr McKendrick added: “Every day, our staff work hard to help the individuals we support lead happy and fulfilled lives.”

“Events like these make a real difference and it’s great to see so many people benefiting from them.”