2020 Prize-Giving For Wellesbourne’s Best Kept Allotment
Our annual prize-giving for the 2020 Best Kept Allotment Awards were held on Sunday 28th February, although in a different format from previous years. Normally held in the Village Hall at the end of the AGM, this year a socially distanced event was held outside, on the site with just the winners in attendance.
Winner of the Best Newcomer Prize, Bethany Osborn acquired her plot in 2019. ‘Owning a plot during lockdown has made me appreciate how essential it is to be outside and connected with nature. It brings me great pleasure learning new skills and growing different plants which always taste better than shop-bought !’
From Right To Left : Ian Hope, Chair of WAA, presents prizes to 2020 Best Kept Allotment Winners to Plot Holders, Ken Manning, John & Gillian Wilson, Colin Wheeler and Bethany Osborn.
Presenting the prizes, Chair of the Association, Ian Hope, said “ Tending the allotment is one activity that people have been able to do safely in the current crisis and it’s a real pleasure to see so plot holders gaining so much from their gardening. “
With guaranteed access to the out doors and wide borders between each plot, the layout of the allotments here in Wellesbourne could almost be designed for social distancing. Lockdown has increased the standard of plot maintenance and yield this year as members have been able to spend more time on their plots.”
John and Gillian Wilson have been working their plot since 2018.
John and Gillian Wilson have been working their plot since 2018. “ It’s a real honour to have won the 2020 Best Kept Established Plot. We’re so fortunate to have this historical site. In times of crisis Allotments have always played a part. During the War there was “ Dig for Victory” now with the Pandemic Allotments are again playing a vital role in helping with mental health and wellbeing. Let’s hope we can retain these Allotments for future generations.
Runners up, with almost 50 yrs combined experience between them, Ken Manning (2nd) and Colin Wheeler ( 3rd) both acquired their plots in the mid 1990’s.
Ian Hope concluded. “We have seen a considerable increase in the amount of applications for a plot on our site. Allotments have long been recognised as a celebration of community, nurturing home grown produce and fostering friendship.
Wellesbourne has a thriving allotment scene extending over 127 plots with the benefits reaching not just the plot holders but their families, friends and neighbours to enjoy the fruits of their labours.
Colin Wheeler has been working his plot since 1994 - that’s 28 yrs !!