ALTON Allotment Association held its annual harvest show in September, giving all plot holders the chance to exhibit their produce and compete for the Alton Town Council Shield.

Despite a difficult growing season this year, with a cold, wet spring followed by a summer with extreme heat and lack of rain, the event attracted a reasonable number of entries.

The shield was presented by deputy mayor Allan Chick to Sara Thomson, from Whitedown allotments, who scored 58 points from 24 entries.

Runner-up was Jeanette Kirk, from the Spitalfields site, with 32 points from 12 entries while Maggie Martin, from Wooteys, was third with 20 points from nine entries.

Sam and Holly Gayle, from Borovere, came first and second in the children’s sculpted vegetable class, with Sam also competing against the adults in several classes and winning first prize for his squash amid fierce competition.

Sadly, there were no entries in the heaviest marrow category this year, although several contenders had been seen on plots.

An Alton Allotment Association trophy was presented by councillor Dean Phillips to Jeanette Kirk for her potatoes and thanks were expressed to him for his support of the Association, particularly his donation toward the running costs of this year’s show.

An Association spokesman said: “The show is a social occasion to enable plot holders from all five sites to meet up, as well as to participate in friendly competition. It is intended as a bit of fun and there are classes to suit all growers, including children, and even those who haven’t yet quite mastered their plot.

“A vase of weeds from your plot produced a lovely arrangement from Liz Ford, while Alton Allotment Association had the dubious honour of winning longest piece of bindweed with an entry more than 22 feet long!”

And the spokesman added: “The town council has a statutory obligation to provide allotments and they are keen for residents to make the most of this opportunity to live a healthier lifestyle by growing their own produce, enjoying exercise in the fresh air, and hopefully making new friends.

“It is now widely accepted that these things improve the health and well-being of all ages. By cultivating these areas we also help to maintain the green lungs of our town and assist wildlife.”

According to Alton Allotment Association, while traditionally there have been long waiting lists for allotments, in recent times these have diminished, with a sharp downturn in applicants last year resulting in some vacancies, particularly at Hawthorns, the new site developed in 2011. There are five allotment sites in Alton and new applications are welcome for all of them.

To get involved, call Alton Town Council on 01420 83986, e-mail [email protected], or call the Alton Allotment Association secretary on 01420 84092.