A Brief History

The Liddesdale Leek Club was formed in 1975. It quickly found a home in the Grapes Hotel where it stayed until 2002, where upon the retirement of Jim Mc Donald the landlord and refurbishment of the premises, it moved to the “Trap” public house where it now resides as the “Dormouse Leek Club”. 

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 being disqualified.

Shot leeks also means that you are disqualified.

It can be the only time that grown men are upset by being called 'too long'!

Show Day

Usually held in mid September, Show Day is a big Event in the Village.  After benching, members retire to the bar with banter, tales of woe and wind ups common.

The judges are left alone for a few hours and all leeks are checked and graded.  Winners are available to view - along with single roses and onions open to all for entries.

Later that evening, winners are announced and prize money and cups are awarded.  There is also an auction of all the prize leeks and many other items - usally 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 within an auction, is one of the most amusing and enjoyable sights of Newcastleton Village life.