At the Annual General Meeting in early January our new Chairman, Andy Roberts, and Secretary, Neil Jacques were pleased to present retiring plot holder, Penny Thornton, with a 'very tall' Cordon Russet Apple Tree in thanks for her many years of wonderful service to the Allotment Society. Penny has been a plot holder for over 15 years, served first on the committee, and in 2019 was appointed as the first 'woman Chair' of the Society. With support from both committee and plot holders she helped introduce a number of beneficial changes on the site and organise social gatherings throughout the year.

Penny has since remained on the committee and has been very active in many roles. She will be sadly missed by all; as Andy said, she was always available for a chat and a smile no matter what. She nurtured both plants and relationships! Penny will still be involved with the Society however in her new role as Honorary Vice President and will be sure to keep in touch with what is happening on the plots.

We wish her and Den every success in their new ventures. .

PICTURE ON A POSTCARD COMPETITION 2025

This year, a total of 250 children from our local primary schools took part in the competition, with categories for students in both Key Stages 1 and 2. Postcards were distributed to the schools in June, the children being asked to submit artwork on the theme of ‘Our Natural World’. On August 9th, the entries were displayed at our Annual Horticultural Show at the Methodist Hall in Barton, and judging took place. With so much varied artwork on show this was by no means an easy task. It was clear that the children had put a great deal of thought into their work, with images reflecting the importance of looking after our environment and taking care of planet Earth in the forefront. After much deliberation the judge awarded the prizes as follows:

Overall Winner: Mia (Barton St. Peter’s C of E Primary School} Mia was awarded the Rotary Club of Barton Upon Humber Postcard Artist of the Year Trophy and a goodie bag containing a selection of drawing equipment.

Key Stage 1 Prizes: First Place Felicity (Bowmandale Primary School), Second Place Ameilia (Castledyke Primary School),Third Place Nyla (Bowmandale Primary School)

Key Stage 2 Prize: First Place Lena (Barton St. Peter’s C of E Primary School), Second Place Emily (Castledyke Primary School), Third Place Jo (Barton St. Peter’s C of E Primary School)

The Key Stage winners received cash prizes of £15, £10.00 and £5.00.

Overall winner Mia with her artwork, trophy, ‘goodie bag’ and certificate.

Ameilia with her artwork and certificate for second place in Key Stage 1

Our thanks go to: Barton Upon Humber Lions Club for sponsoring the awards

The Rotary Club of Barton Upon Humber for sponsorship of the trophy

A REDISCOVERED STAR OF BARTON’S ANNUAL HORTICULTURAL SHOW

During early 2020 the black and white photo above appeared on ‘Barton and Surrounding Village Memories’ Facebook Group. It showed a woman being presented with a cup at Barton’s Annual Horticultural Show about fifty three years ago. The photo was saved by Barton Allotment Society who organise the town’s Horticultural Show each year.

Two years later the Allotment Society launched its website at www.bartonallotments.org.uk
and a brief ‘History of the Allotments’ was included, along with several unidentified
photographs featuring the Horticultural Show. (You can find this photo still featured on the website in 2025).

It was to be another year before the Cup Winner was revealed.

ELSIE DENT was identified as the Overall Cookery Winner, with STANLEY CLARK
(Barton Urban District Councillor) presenting her award. Elsie and her sister Rosina were fierce rivals in the Horticultural Show Cookery section, entering side by side with their Victoria Sandwich cakes (“no cream allowed”), pastries, scones, occasionally different jams, and sometimes even venturing into the fruit and veg sections with their ripe tomatoes! Between them they won numerous prizes for their efforts.

Elsie recalls so many fond memories from the years entering the Horticultural Show but was once devastated to find a judge’s note on her jam tarts! It read “These look shop bought” and, as a result, were disqualified! Now Elsie was very particular. She knew a homemade tart from a shop bought one. She only ever chose her best because if she didn’t, her sister would win!!

Elsie also remembers Mr Newmarsh keeping the minutes, and Keith Hastings, a local
greengrocer, auctioning Show produce at the end of the day. For a long time Elsie worked at Dewey’s hardware shop in Barton, but currently lives in New Holland where she helped run the Tuesday and Thursday village ‘pop-in’ until the church was closed and sold.

Elsie, now aged 90, has been asked to present the 2025 Overall Cookery Prize at this year's 73rd Horticultural Show at the Methodist Church on August 9th. And - she said ‘Yes’!

We hope as many people as possible will come along, not only to enter something
themselves, but also to encourage their children to take part in one of Barton’s oldest running events. Fruit, vegetable and flower sections, cookery, together with the Schools Potato Growing Competition AND Painting on a Postcard challenge – all will be on display.

A full Show Schedule is now available on our website - CLICK HERE.
Printed copies are also available in shops around the town.

Come and say hello to the Star of this year’s Horticultural Show, ELSIE DENT.