Allotment Competition 2026

David and Hannah said: 

‘Thank you for inviting us to judge the Stone Town Council Allotment Competition once again. Judging took place on a typically hot July 2026 afternoon. The Stone Town Mayor, together with the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Town Clerk were in attendance. We were all able to chat to some of the allotment holders and visitors, but the task of judging was down to Hannah and I.

This year has been extreme; the extended period of high temperatures and drought have defined it. Keeping vegetables alive in these conditions is challenging, let alone growing them to a high standard and in quantity. This takes sustained, time and effort just to keep the plots watered let alone the planning, preparation, planting, weeding and feeding to get plants established in the first place.

We found allotments which were well kept, tidy and productive. We found some that had been affected by the weather conditions and some that were clearly ‘work in progress’. Some stood out as enviable examples of what can be achieved in exceptional conditions.

Growing and gardening is personal to an individual, people have different skills, abilities, personalities and available time. They have differing priorities; vegetables, fruit, herbs, cut flowers; traditional or novel varieties, different growing methods, all this makes selecting winners a challenge. The results are in our opinion, on the day, the best plots that combined, quality, diversity and a consideration for nature and the environment.

Stone allotments show what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. Their value in feeding families, social and community connection and personal wellbeing is something the Town can be proud of.’

David Moreton and Hannah Rigden