CHAMPION vegetable grower Barry Micklethwaite has been barred from a district show - because, he claims, his produce is too good.
Retired steel worker Barry, 66, wanted to enter the show in Sheffield next month.
He phoned the organisers for a competition schedule but was told he could not enter. When he asked the reason he says chairman Derek Neumann told him he did not need one and put the phone down.
Barry, of Coronation Crescent, Birdwell thinks it is sour grapes because the association fears he would sweep the board with his giant onions and leeks. "They would prefer me to go somewhere else because I'm too good for them but I'm only an amateur. I have been showing nearly 30 years and have got better but I'm not at national standard.
Brenda Neumann is secretary of the National Vegetable Society's district association, which is organising the show.
She said Barry was not welcome because he had been 'very abusive' at a meeting three years ago.
