Page 48 - ALG Issue 4 2014 Digital Edition

North West Counties Medal Success
Following the success of Leeds and District Allotment Garden Federations, in the North West we now have our own moment in the spotlight to shout about.
‘Only gone and won a large Gold medal’ shouted one of the volunteer exhibitors at the Southport Flower Show (14th to the 17th August).
The theme was an Allotment Open Day with a WW1 and WW2 Tribute Garden, Air Raid Shelter, Children’s Allotment, Open Day Display, Chickens, Bees, Information Tent, Polytunnel and Raised beds. All displayed the wide variety of activities shown at Allotment events around the region regularly every year.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to help in the build-up week due to health reasons. But, we had great feedback and the display definitely created the wow factor, all due to the hard work of everyone involved.
Hundreds of people visited the display; they were drawn in by the amazing Air Raid shelter which was built by Blackpool Federation members. There were sirens going off in the middle of planted raised beds which were made up of 200 sand bags. It made many people remember their experiences and share their stories. So many appreciative remarks were made by everybody for creating such a moving tribute to those lost in both wars.
The information marquee acted as the backdrop to this wonderful display, giving an excellent insight as to what is available to members
in the North West and nationally.
Believe it or not, the display was put together in less than 8 weeks
and thanks has to be given to all those members who volunteered information, pictures and artefacts to pull it together.
The display was funded from NWCAA funds, helpers own pockets and kind donations from various companies who regularly support NWCAA projects, along with new friends made at the show.
After three days constructing the display, judgement day arrived. We really believed that we had done our best and we were very proud of our display. The judges arrived as the team stood around with hearts in mouths and everything crossed. But there was no need to worry, they rewarded everybody’s effort with a Large Gold Medal and the Challenge Trophy awarded to Amateur Growers. Amazing result on such a small budget and against some stiff competition.
Where do you start to thank everybody involved in such a short report? It would be wrong of me to single out names of the many volunteers and Federations who worked so hard over the 7 days.
You know who you are and you all deserved the reward.
Thank you for your support and for giving us a week of your precious time to put on such an amazing display. Roll on next year, when the theme is China, or so I’ve heard.
Alan Hull, NWCAA Chairman.
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