2018 Show

Allotment Open Day 2018 banner

3rd Annual Show and Open Day,
Saturday 1 September 2018

It was a very successful event with lots of entries in the different show categories and lots of happy prize winners and the weather was perfect as well. This year the judging was done by a member of the neighbouring ‘Edible Hightown’ (now Edible Luton) community group.

Some of the happy prize winners in the 2018 show. The judge is 3rd from left, holding flower bouquet.
Some of the happy prize winners in the 2018 show. The judge is 3rd from left, holding flower bouquet.
New ‘Exotic Vegetable’ class this year. All shapes and sizes – from the very long – snake gourd (no 6) to the very small – okra (no 9).
New ‘Exotic Vegetable’ class this year. All shapes and sizes – from the very long – snake gourd (no 6) to the very small – okra (no 9).
Butternut Squash – very good-looking specimens.
Butternut Squash – very good-looking specimens.
Preparing the visual aids for the seminar on beekeeping.
Preparing the visual aids for the seminar on beekeeping.
Beekeeping seminar in progress.
Beekeeping seminar in progress.
Plot holders reflecting on the meaning of life, the state of the world and the merits of wood chippings for suppressing weeds.

Plot holders reflecting on the meaning of life, the state of the world and the merits of wood chippings for suppressing weeds.
The chairman of the Allotment Association is chatting to a family who are interested in taking on a plot.
The chairman of the Allotment Association is chatting to a family who are interested in taking on a plot.
Cut flowers and single rose classes: Fragrant and colourful.
Cut flowers and single rose classes: Fragrant and colourful.
Beans – traditional types and more unusual varieties.
Beans – traditional types and more unusual varieties.
A feeble number of entries in the potato class this year. Some growers were badly affected by the drought. One lot even hiding under a blanket.
A feeble number of entries in the potato class this year. Some growers were badly affected by the drought. One lot even hiding under a blanket.
Traditional Dutch purple carrots that later gave way to the orange varieties we mostly eat today.
Traditional Dutch purple carrots that later gave way to the orange varieties we mostly eat today.
Three plump pumpkins. A couple of carrots in the ‘Ugliest Vegetable’ class getting a look-in too.
Three plump pumpkins. A couple of carrots in the ‘Ugliest Vegetable’ class getting a look-in too.
Tasty tomatoes
Tasty tomatoes
Step 1: Set up the ‘stakes’. Willow basket weaving demonstration. How to make a garden planter. The willows are grown on the Stockingstone site.
Step 1: Set up the ‘stakes’. Willow basket weaving demonstration. How to make a garden planter. The willows are grown on the Stockingstone site.
Step 2: Once the ‘stakes’ are in place the weaving can begin. This is done with thinner flexible willow rods called ‘strands’. For this quick basic demonstration green ‘strands’ were used. Normally you would use prepared rods that have been dried and then soaked in water to become pliable. The green ‘strands’ may start to grow some leaves, which would look rather nice.
Step 2: Once the ‘stakes’ are in place the weaving can begin. This is done with thinner flexible willow rods called ‘strands’. For this quick basic demonstration green ‘strands’ were used. Normally you would use prepared rods that have been dried and then soaked in water to become pliable. The green ‘strands’ may start to grow some leaves, which would look rather nice.
Class 1, 2 and 3. Judging of the preserves and cakes. Higher number of entries this year. All of a high standard.
Class 1, 2 and 3. Judging of the preserves and cakes. Higher number of entries this year. All of a high standard.
The judge has completed her deliberations and everybody is crowding in to the marquee to find out if they have been successful this year.
The judge has completed her deliberations and everybody is crowding in to the marquee to find out if they have been successful this year.
Prize giving in progress. The winner of the Joe Moriarty memorial shield for ‘Plot Holder of the Year’ is looking very pleased.
Prize giving in progress. The winner of the Joe Moriarty memorial shield for ‘Plot Holder of the Year’ is looking very pleased.
Two of the top winners showing off their ‘bling’.
Two of the top winners showing off their ‘bling’.
The kitchen end of the marquee. Some of the babies are taking a nap inside the meeting hut. Nice and shady, the sun was very strong for September.
The kitchen end of the marquee. Some of the babies are taking a nap inside the meeting hut. Nice and shady, the sun was very strong for September.
The beginning and the end: The skeleton for the new marquee.
The beginning and the end: The skeleton for the new marquee.

Some history – have a look at the photos from the 2017 and 2016 shows.

Sponsor logos: The 2018 show was partially funded with a 'Your Say Your Way'community grant
Sponsor logos: The 2018 show was partially funded with a ‘Your Say Your Way’community grant.