Page 57 - ALG Issue 4 2018

The Kings Plot at Capel St Mary Show
As previously mentioned in past articles, my plot is on the Capel St Mary Allotment Association site, and once again this year they secretly judged the plots three times, starting at the end of May, then towards end of June and finally around the end of July.
The results are in and my plot won the Best Kept allotment, along with the Best Kept Polytunnel plot, both for the second year running.
Then, in early September they have a Flower and Produce show which I have entered for many years.
This year I won 14 firsts, 15 seconds and 3 thirds. I was second overall for highest number of points in the Vegetable section, but won the trophy for the best exhibit in the Vegetable section with my leeks and won the trophy for best collection of five vegetables. In the Flower section I was second overall
for highest number of points, but won the trophy for best exhibit in the flower section with a vase of mixed garden flowers, and had wins with my Begonia and roses.
I also won the RHS Banksian Medal
Southern
New Forest & Hampshire County Show
The Southern Region applied for a stand at The New Forest & Hampshire County Show earlier in the year and was pleased when the application was accepted. However, it was with some trepidation
that we ventured to set up our stand on
a rather hot July day, but our fears were soon allayed as the Flower Show marquee was found to have a pleasant through breeze, thanks to high-level netting at each end and a row of adjacent tall trees that provided some shade.
We had a regular stream of visitors throughout the three days with the main topic of conversation being weather related, and in particular, those locations where there was no on-site water supply! We had the usual range of vegetable related queries, with quite a number of visitors enquiring how to obtain an allotment plot. We were encouraged by the number of visitors voluntarily expressing an interest
in becoming individual members or taking information away to discuss with their allotment associations. Tenants at sites where there was no allotment association saw the benefit of forming an association and affiliating to the NAS.
I was accompanied at various times on our stand by Iain & Jenny Crawford and Jim More. We also appreciated the assistance provided over the three days by Debby Lockey, Edward Jones, Mark, Patrick Morris
and Steph Bennett,
who were members of local associations.
The revival of the Slough
Horticultural Show
Following an absence of about 30 years
the Slough Horticultural Show made its return on an overcast Saturday in August.
It was promoted by the Slough Allotment Federation with support from Slough Borough Council Parks and Open Spaces. It was very much a community event that was attended by numerous families who were able to enjoy a wide range of entertainment. The Southern Region attended in support
of the Langley Allotments & Gardens Association. The interaction between the two adjacent stands culminated in the Langley Association signing up numerous members on the day.
Southern Region AGM
The 2018 AGM was held in Swindon at the end of July when a new Regional Constitution was accepted by the meeting.
The Officers elected for the forthcoming year were:
Chairman: Alan McPherson Deputy Chairman: Colin Mace Treasurer: Iain Crawford Secretary: Mike Cantillon
Mike Cantillon
The Village Show
Andrew with trophies
for the most prize money and picked up
the trophy and some beer for Best Kept Allotment and a bottle of wine for the
Best Kept Polytunnel plot. I was over the moon with the results at this year’s Show, especially in a growing season that has been so very challenging.
Winning Collection
Congratulations should go to all the exhibitors that supported the Show and
the committee for putting on such a well- organised event.
Andrew Tokely, Horticultural Director for Kings Seeds
Welcome to our new members...
Piddington Parish Council
Uffington Allotment Holders Association 13 Individual Members
57