You know the story of James and the Giant Peach, but what about Terry and the Giant Pear?

While not quite large enough to attach a flock of seagulls and fly a group of friends to New York, Mr Medes’ latest homegrown batch of pears is certainly eye-catching.

Compared to your average apple they are absolutely enormous and Terry and partner Elke Losekann, of Singlewell Road, Gravesend, are not too sure why.

Elke, 75, who moved to the UK from Germany 57 years ago, said: “We bought the tree from Aldi and this is its third year.

“The first year we had loads of tiny pears. Last year we didn’t get anything much really, and this year we’ve had these huge ones, so next year I am hoping it’s even better.”

One theory Terry, 78, has is that when he clears out the garden pond of algae and other
such muck, he pours it over the bottom of the pear tree, perhaps providing some nourishment.

The heaviest pear of the lot is over 600 grams – 1lb 5oz – which is not far off five times as large as a standard one you would find in the supermarket.

“We kept watching them and couldn’t believe it,” said Elke.

“Terry kept saying they were not ready to be taken off yet, but eventually we did.

“My sister came over from Germany and ate it stone hard and said ‘that’s the way to eat them’, but it would have broken my teeth.

“I am going to cook them in jars and put them away to preserve them.”

The self-titled “partners in crime” have plenty of other garden projects to keep them busy until the pears are back in season.

As well as other fruits like apples and cherries, they also grow green beans.

Considering Terry still works at the family butchers, TRM Meats in Old Road West, Gravesend, it is impressive to see the garden so well maintained.