Orford fisherman Neil Macro lived up to his surname by cultivating a jumbo pumpkin – weighing in at a hefty 245lbs and easily winning this year’s village growing competition for heaviest in its field.
It put his 157lb entry for last year’s Orford, Sudbourne, and Gedgrave Flower Show and Fete in the shade, and eclipsed the nearest competing pumpkin, which weighed a nonetheless impressive 160lbs.
Mr Macro, 66, revealed that the secret to growing such a whopper was surprisingly simple: “It takes the right fertilizer, good temperatures and plenty of water,” he said.
The pumpkin is the biggest Mr Macro has ever grown at his patch at the local allotments, where he also produces his own cabbages, carrots and marrows – some of which are equally monstrous and won him 11 first places, a runner-up spot and a third prize at this year’s show.
“Some I eat, but I think the pumpkin will go to Notcutts, as it did last year,” said Mr Macro, who added that the garden centre would likely use it for seeds or to carve for Halloween.
Oddly enough, the trophy for the biggest pumpkin was donated by Mr Macro to the show three years ago. Although he missed out on lifting the inaugural Macro Trophy, he has proudly lifted it for the last two years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here