The days are getting warmer and lighter, and some of us are desperate to get out on to our allotments. The seeds are bought, potatoes are chitting, and we all hope that it can’t possibly rain as much or be as cold in 2013 as last year – that the dreaded blight will stay away – and that things will just grow bigger and better next time.
However – it is hope tinged with experience! Despite last year’s conditions being so difficult, we had a hugely successful Open Show in August 2012. We had over 240 entries in the Fountain Square Church Hall, many from new exhibitors as well as old friends. We also had lots of visitors to the Show, who enjoyed the wonderful displays of flowers, veg’, photos of local scenes, and home cooking – as well as the lovely art and poetry from children in the village. There are lots of photos on our web site. But even though the event was so successful, it might be even more successful if we put back the usual date by a couple of weeks – just to extend the growing season a little. So in 2013, the planned date for the Open Show is 31st August – start planning your prize winning entries now! We are always looking for new ideas for the Open Show, and in 2013 we are introducing a new category for just this year for knitting or crocheting a child’s cot blanket (30” square approximately). All entries will be donated to the charity Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child, but there will be a cash prize for the winner of this category. So while you are waiting for your seeds to arrive – get knitting or crocheting – there can be no blaming the weather on this occasion. Further information about the Tideswell Allotments Association can be found on our web site – www.tideswellallotments.org.uk.
Lynn Crowe, Secretary, TAA