2025 Potato Challenge


Cyril and Wendy are once again organising the Potato Challenge Competition for Allotment Plot Holders.
Prizes are awarded for the Heaviest Yield and the Heaviest Individual Potato. A seed potato and bag to grow it in can be collected from Plot 15 from this Sunday, 23rd March from 1.30 - 3.30pm. You can use your own choice of compost and feed.
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Judging will take place on 21st June.
Good Luck!
Long Service Awards


At the AGM in January recognition was made of two of our plot holders who have this year retired from their plots, and both were thanked for their long service to the Society. Wes Reed held a plot from 2014 to 2024 and served for several years on the committee as Treasurer. Bob Papworth held a plot from 1982 to 2024, was appointed as the Society's first Site Manager, and held that position for over 10 years.
Both men have been intrepid volunteers on site, being part of a workforce that has been responsible for major changes. They will be missed but will not become strangers to the Society as they were also appointed Honorary Vice Presidents at the AGM.
Barton's 72nd Horticultural Show 2024

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On Saturday August 10th the Allotment Society held their 72nd Horticultural Show. Open to everyone, all the usual categories were available for entry, including several new additions. Following the Allotment's success selling rhubarb at Barton’s Ropewalk Garden Day, rhubarb was added as a special Class to the main Schedule listings. In previous years, rhubarb stalks sometimes appeared on the tables under the ‘any other vegetable’ category.
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The cookery section introduced Gingerbread Portions, Bread Buns and specific jars of preserves.
Among the Novice Section, a Bunch of Fresh Herbs attracted attention alongside Wonky and Giant Vegetable categories.
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In conjunction with Barton Lions the Allotment Society organised a Children’s ‘Painting on a Postcard’ competition. KS1 and KS2 school aged children were encouraged to enter via different Primary Schools in the area together with the opportunity to complete entries at the Allotment Stand at Barton Carnival held in June. The overall winner was Darcey Cox, followed by the top three in both classes, who each received monetary prizes.
Sadly, due to heavy rain and a battering wind the day before the Show, no roses were entered despite there being four different Classes for Rose entries, including a new one which required one rose in bud, another in the ‘perfect stage’ and the third ‘in full bloom’. The essential and ever popular Tombola, the refreshments available and the 'after Show' auction were all well received once again.
We were delighted to have our very own hard working plot holders, Mayor and Mayoress Neil and Monica Jacques, to present all the awards. In recognition of their work for the Society they were given fresh flowers from plot holders, and a specially made commemorative plaque; the presentation was made by Harvey, Skye and Summer, the children featured on the front cover of this year's Schedule.
Most Points in Show was won by Cyril and Wendy Pallister, while the family of our late President, David Dukes, donated a Memorial Cup in his memory for ‘Best Exhibit Gladioli’. It was won by Keith Mason.
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Further photos of the event can be seen on the Show page (Community Links) of this website.
And the winners were...


Many thanks to all those who entered exhibits and to everyone who helped in any way to make the 72nd Horticultural Show a great success.
7th Annual Allotment
Midsummer Garden Party

From early morning on Saturday, 22nd June, throughout the day, our Midsummer Garden Party at the plots enjoyed amazing support from volunteers. As ever, plot holders contributed their home cooking from sausage rolls, trays of sandwiches, vegetarian and gluten free treats, and a fabulous plant based biryani. There were cakes galore and fruit, including a container of freshly picked strawberries which our site manager's grandson, Charlie, shared with everyone.
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After weeks of endless rain, the sun came out. The sky turned blue and everyone relaxed together and smiled. Many thanks to everyone for making it a special day, especially all the younger children who helped to clear things away.
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More photos of the Party can be seen on the 2024 Events Page here
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