Spud you like at potato festival

Lovers of all things potato will be able to snap up some seed potatoes from a huge number of varieties on February 10. The festival runs from 9am until 3pm and entry is free.

People familiar with the event will know to turn up early if they want particular seed potato varieties but food in the form of light breakfasts, lunches and home made cakes will be available throughout the day. In addition Brighter Blooms will be selling seeds, fruit trees and bushes and Tools for Self Reliance will have a selection of renovated tools for sale. A local enthusiast who specialises in herbs will be there too and there will be other stands as well.

Frank Oldaker from the group said: “Once again we intend to make Potato Fest much more than an event where you just dash in and buy some seed potatoes. If advice is wanted on any aspect of potato growing a couple of experts will be there to help and they will also have a display of varieties they grew last year.

"A chat with them is always an entertaining and enlightening experience. More information about potato varieties and Brighter Blooms selections is on the Shropshire Organic Gardeners website.

"The event was started because, at the time, gardeners struggled to find anywhere that offered more than a few varieties of seed potatoes.

"Nowadays it is easier but because people really enjoy coming to Montford the support they give us has been tremendous. This has meant that the event makes some money each year and apart from funding the running of the group we can make donations to appropriate charities. We really hope people will continue to come because it is immensely satisfying for everyone to be able to do this.”