Newbury Town Council has announced the winners of the special 2020 “Newbury in lockdown” allotment awards.
The winners, with details of their achievements, are:
Southby’s Site
Mike Hart, plot 19.
Mr Hart grew around 1300 young tomato plants from early in the year which he gave away for a charitable donation. He gave around 300 plants to a local scout group to be able to sell for their fundraising. From the remainder he managed to donate £2000 for Newbury Cancer Care. The project will be ongoing with the help of the Southby’s Allotment Tenants Association (SATA).
Parsons Site
Frank Knott, New Leaf Horticultural Therapy, plots 29 & 30
This allotment is usually tended by a small friendly group of people, all of whom are experiencing mental health problems but who find support and friendship through the two sessions that are held at the allotments each week.
During ‘lockdown’ Frank, who runs the group, regularly visited the large plot to keep it ready for the group on their return. Following the easing of ‘lockdown’ the group are now back at the allotment with Frank as their inspiration.
One Tree Park Site
During (and since) lockdown OTP ran a very successful Plant & Produce Stall. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and patience of 3 ladies who pricked-out literally hundreds of seedlings for onward growing. The Award goes jointly to:
Wash Common Site
Ruth Reid, plot 33
Not only does Ruth keep her organic allotment in a methodical and productive way, it always looks well cared for and pretty with lots of pretty, insect attracting flowers. Ruth keeps an eye out for anybody in need. She notices when somebody’s allotment is not looking to be tended as well as usual and will weed and water to help maintain it. She will ask if everything is alright with certain plot tenants. Her caring ways are also expressed in her helping with the establishment of the therapy garden on site. Already produce from it is being used by the food bank.
West Mills Site
Mrs Christa & Mr Mike Steer, plot 18a
Having only taken on the plot in March this year, Mr & Mrs Steer are new tenants who have done a fantastic job creating their allotment, creating raised beds and a fruit cage during lockdown transforming a previously neglected plot.
Dairy Farm Site
Lina Lennie, plots 28a/b
Lina and her family have been nominated for taking on a very neglected allotment plot and have completely transformed it into an outstanding growing area. Fellow tenants and the allotment Steward on the site are pleased to see this plot looking so beautiful and the family working together with the children getting involved in the growing and tending of the plot.
