A Brief History

The Liddesdale Leek Club was formed in 1975 and is hosted by the Trap public house, but is known as the "Dormouse Leek Club", confused? You will be!

It is with sadness that we saw Jim's passing in October 2006 and we pass on our sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.

The Rules of Competition

• When "benching" on Show Day a member must have 3 pot leeks (not long leeks). Each leek must be less than 6 inches to the button and the biggest total cubic girth of the three, WINS
• Failure to reach these requirements will result in disqualification
• Shot leeks also qualify for disqualification
• It can be the only time that grown men are upset by being called 'too long'!

Show Day

Usually held in mid-September, the show day is a big event for the members and their entourage. After 'benching', members retire to the bar with banter, tales of woe and wind ups common to await the outcome of the judging. Along with the leeks members are also encouraged to enter a single rose and an onion.

The judges are left alone to weigh, measure and judge the best three presented. Once judging is over all leeks, roses and onions are available to view. Prizes are awarded for all entries in leeks as long as they have not been disqualified.

The public is most welcome to come and review the competition. Most of the members retire to the bar and much debate is usually had about the size of the winners, what fertiliser prove to be the best and just how improved the best improved winners were!

Later that evening, winners are announced and prize money and cups are awarded. Following this there is the famous leek auction and many other items - usually barley fadge gets the bidding up! Members, flushed with a new injection of cash, are encouraged to buy back their leeks and also to reinvest their loot onto some sale items brought along by the members.

The spectacle of members buying scones, jams and the like at vast inflated prices is one of the most amusing and enjoyable sights of Newcastleton Village life.

If you would like to join ask for details at The Trap.