Top of the crops

The mayor, Councillor Barbara Driver, presented trophies and certificates to the 25 competition winners at a ceremony held on Thursday 1 September in the council chamber at the municipal offices.

Plot-holders from all over Cheltenham came together for the event, which included a presentation on creative projects and community events that have been organised on the sites.

Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainability, says: “Allotments make a significant contribution to our local environment, as well as providing healthy exercise, tasty produce and a strong sense of community for local plot-holders and their families. Our competition aims to encourage people to make the most of their plots.”

Fiona Warin, allotment officer, says: “It is great to be able to reward the plot-holders who go the extra mile. They set an amazing example on the allotment sites and so inspire many others to get more out of their plots”.

Over 80 plots were judged back in June and prizes were awarded in several categories: new tenant, general section, senior citizen, best community plot, best kept allotment site and more. Eleven trophies were awarded.

For media enquiries, contact: Richard Gibson, Policy and Partnerships Manager telephone 01242 235354, email richard.gibson@cheltenham.gov.uk

Notes:

A list of winners is available on request.

Contact information is available on request to arrange photographs of the winners with their trophies. Since the plots are not necessarily at their best by September, sometimes it is arranged for everyone to meet at one site, with cups and certificates, to make life easier for the photographer.