I can't claim to have attended every National Fruit Show, as it is now called, although most people still seem to suffer a slip of the tongue and refer to it as "Marden".

But I do remember the days on its old site, when it was advisable to wear Wellington boots as the duckboards sometimes found it difficult to cope with the rain, and the luncheon was often like something in Jamie Oliver's worst nightmares.

The first day was traditionally for the "governors", while the rest of the community were encouraged to come later in the week to marvel at the fruit and the silverware for which it competed in equal measure.

In one sense it is all the more remarkable that the event has not only thrived, but flourished in a more modern world.

It more than deserved respect when it passed its 70th annual milestone last week. Even if war and frost damage ñ which I still find hard to believe ñ had curtailed its actual activities to 60 shows.

I was once met with displeasure when I innocently asked what the commercial relevance was of grading out several boxes of fruit to a pristine condition, when it appeared to have little in common with practical reality?

After being threatened with a fate worse than death based on the use of a pruning knife, I learnt my lesson. Marden, as it was then, was all about reflecting the spirit of the industry, that intangible factor bringing together pride in hard work, good practice and genuine friendship.

Those criteria certainly still apply, although having been more than happy to pay homage, I wonder if now it is again time to reforge the format.

On the evidence of last week ñ and from other recent shows ñ day one was everything that could have been hoped for. Good crowds and plenty of conversation. Day two by comparison was fairly flat, with far fewer takers, and a somewhat disappointing turnout at the two presentations.

One reason could be that the time has finally passed when wholesalers turn up ostensibly to support their growers, but equally have an eye on picking up a few new senders.

Marketing companies, both large and small ñ chosen and blessed by the few multiples that control most of the business ñ now fit with them hand in glove as category suppliers.

For them, meeting socially in Kent may be pleasant, but it is less relevant if one is on the phone to the same people most days, or regularly driving to head office to discuss programmes and promotions.

The NFS remains a great institution and still has much to offer. With growers also needing more information on new varieties, competitive sources and retail trends, surely these foundations should find it within themselves to land better support to a major conference and a far greater national spectacle.