For the fourth year running  a cup was presented by Joan Dean for the Best Allotment on the Potash Lane site in Long Marston.

John Branham led the judging team. John lived in Long Marston for a number of years and started growing fruit and vegetables in a small way like the rest of us.  He soon moved on from that and has been a qualified NVS judge for the last 11 years.  He has won numerous cups and trophies including the All England Vegetable Collection.  He is however a genuine all rounder supplying the house with fruit and vegetables all the year round.

The other Judge is former Tring Charities representative and former Council Chairman, Michael Tomlinson.  Michael a keen gardener has lived in the village all his life and his garden is a joy to behold in the middle of the village

The plots will be judged by the criteria laid down by the Royal Horticultural Society’s Handbook.  It is an extremely fair and rigorous form of judging with points awarded in 7 different categories, from the overall cropping and variety, to the state of the garden shed.  No points awarded in that category if you don’t have a garden shed, extra points though if it has gutter with a drainpipe into a water butt.

Again this year Tring Charities presented a diploma which is given totally at the judges discretion.  It could be for the tidiest allotment, or it could be for an outstanding crop of something as last year when Eddy Clarke won it for his runner beans. (see photo)

Of course a large number of gardeners are wild life enthusiasts as well, and none more so than Les Stephenson who has included a pond on his allotment to encourage newts and other wild life, a very commendable addition to allotment life.

The judging took place towards the end of July and the cup and diploma was presented at the Long Marston Show held on 4th August .

The judges had a very difficult job this year owing to the adverse growing conditions, but the overall winner was Alan Knight closely followed by Steve and Tom Poulton.  Alan just pipped them to the post because of the insect boxes on his shed and the wonderful array of herbs on his plot.  So well done Alan. (see photo of Alan with his adorable daughter Tanya)

The Tring Charities Diploma was won by Paul and Janet Skells who were also contenders for the Cup   this year.  So very well done to them.

This year for the first time we held a get-together on an area on Alan Knight and Tom Poultons plots, all beautifully mown for the occasion.   It was also very nice to meet Elaine Winter, who manages the allotment on behalf of Tring Charities.  The Rev. Jane Bannister took time out from her busy schedule to attend as the Long Marston Church representative on  Tring Charities

The wine flowed and Alan produced some very welcome barbequed sausages.  The evening was deemed a great success which everyone felt should become an annual event.

Joan Dean