News

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Fencing for new plots

We’re thrilled to share that the fencing for the 30 brand-new allotment plots at our North Road allotment site is nearly complete! This marks a huge step forward in creating a vibrant space for gardeners of all experience levels to grow their own fresh produce, flowers, and more.

With the fencing work wrapping up, we’ll soon begin defining and preparing the individual plots, getting them ready for eager tenants to start planting.

📢 Interested in a Plot?
Don’t miss this opportunity—click here to apply for a plot today.

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Land ready for new plots

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re making room for 30 brand-new allotment plots at our North Road allotment site! This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey with plants, to enjoy growing your own fresh produce, flowers, and more.

What’s Happening Now?

  • The area has been cleared and is now ready for transformation.
  • Fencing work will begin soon to define the plots and ensure the space is secure.

Keep an eye on this space! We’ll be sharing updates on the fencing process. Click here if you’re interested in applying for a plot.

 

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Successful Working Party at CR Clears Communal Plot

The working party on Sunday 24 November at Clothall Road allotment site proved to be a great success! Starting promptly at 10am, a team of ten enthusiastic volunteers worked together to clear the communal plot. Their combined efforts ensured the task was completed in just 90 minutes, leaving plenty of time for a warm-up and a well-deserved thank-you coffee at Tapps Garden Centre.

Photos captured the impressive transformation, showing the plot’s condition before and three large piles of rubbish collected during the cleanup. One particularly noteworthy pile consisted entirely of broken glass, which filled over a barrow load on its own!

Before the work
Plastics
Metal pile

Ross (Trading Secretary) has already arranged for the metal pile to be collected and hopes the combustible materials can be burned early this week, ahead of work by Mark Oakley. The remaining pile, largely plastic, will require a skip for disposal.

A big thank-you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to this effort. Your hard work is greatly appreciated!

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BALGA Quiz Night 2024

BALGA invites you to our Annual Quiz Night on Friday, November 22nd, 2024, at the Baldock Community Centre. Doors open at 7:00 pm, with the quiz starting at 7:30 pm. This year’s quiz will be hosted by our new Publicity Officer, Sarah Bassett, along with Chris Bassett.

Everyone is welcome to join—teams of up to 6 people can compete for just £5 per person. Invite friends, family, or neighbours for a relaxed evening open to all, whether you’re a BALGA member or not. If you don’t have a full team, we can arrange groups on the night.

What to Expect:

  • Quiz Competition – Fun, engaging questions for everyone
  • Raffle – A chance to win great prizes
  • Bar – Drinks available for purchase at the Community Centre bar

Tickets are available at the Baldock Community Centre or the Allotment Shop on Football Close, open Sundays from 10 am to 12 noon. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Best Kept Allotment Competition

Two independent judges scored the 20 shortlisted plots for Best Plot Overall and the 6 shortlisted plots for Best Newcomer 2024. The judges had a difficult task this year as it was a closely fought contest.

Adam H. (CR47B) scored the most points at Clothall Road and is the Best Plot at Clothall Road. Dave K. (NR49B/50B) scored the most points at North Road
and is the Best Plot at North Road. Congratulations to Adam H., who scored the most points overall and will be awarded the Basil Bryant Cup. Winners will receive a £25 voucher to use at the Members’ Shop. Presentations will be made at the 2025 AGM.

Adam H (pictured early summer)
Best Plot at North Road (please note we took the picture in late August)

Here are the results for the newcomers: Kemjira S. (CR14A) scored the most points at Clothall Road and is the Best Newcomer at Clothall Road. Colin M.
(NR60A) scored the most points at North Road and is the Best Newcomer at North Road. Kemjira will be awarded the Frank Conway Cup and Colin will be
awarded the John Gray Cup at the 2025 AGM. In addition, the Best Newcomers will receive a £10 gift.

Best Newcomer at Clothall Road (Please note photo was taken in late August)
Best Newcomer at North Road (Please note photo was taken in late August)

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Pictures of the winning plots can be found in this article. Hopefully, this will give you some inspiration for next year!

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BALGA Open Day 2024

We are excited to invite you to our Open Day 2024 in celebration of National Allotments Week.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 17th August 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Tapps Garden Centre, Wallington Road (opposite the Clothall Road allotment site)

Come and join BALGA, your local community-run allotment and leisure gardeners’ Association. Benefits include:
🍈 Access to discounted prices at our members’ shop
🫑 An annual flower and vegetable show with the Baldock Horticultural Society
🍐 A discounted seed scheme via Kings Seeds and the National Allotment
Association
🥬 A bi-monthly newsletter to keep you up-to-date
Come and speak with us to find out about getting an allotment or becoming an Associate Member. Learn about Seed Saving.

Refreshments are available at Tapps Garden Centre.

 

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National Allotments Week

Celebrate National Allotments Week: August 12th – 18th

For over two decades, National Allotments Week, initiated by The National Allotment Society, has been a cherished tradition that encourages allotment holders across the UK to open their gates and showcase the beauty and benefits of their sites. This week-long celebration highlights the social, health, and environmental advantages of maintaining allotments.

This year, National Allotments Week will run from Monday, August 12th to Sunday, August 18th, with a special focus on biodiversity. Throughout the week, we will be sharing fantastic content from our expert partners and ambassadors, offering valuable tips on how to encourage pollinators and wildlife on your allotment.

Join BALGA’s Special Event to celebrate the week

As part of the festivities, BALGA (Baldock Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association) will be hosting a special event on Saturday 17, August. While we are eagerly awaiting confirmation of the event location, we promise it will be an informative and enjoyable day for all attendees. Members can collect their seed catalogue.

Stay tuned for updates on the venue, and in the meantime, prepare to celebrate and learn how to make your allotment a haven for biodiversity.

Why Allotments Matter

Allotments are more than just patches of land for growing vegetables and flowers; they are vibrant community spaces that bring people together. They offer numerous benefits, including:

  • Social: Allotments create a sense of community and belonging, providing a space for people to connect, share knowledge, and support each other.
  • Health: Gardening is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, which can improve physical and mental health.
  • Environmental: Allotments promote sustainable living by encouraging local food production, reducing food miles, and supporting biodiversity.

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating National Allotments Week and to explore the many ways in which allotments contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world. Keep an eye out for more details on our upcoming event and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of allotment gardening.

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Reduced seed Potatoes

The BALGA Members’ Shop has a sale on seed potatoes. They’re reduced to £1 per kilo.  The Members’ Shop is open every Sunday from 10am – 12 pm.

If you’re a new plotholder, why not get started with some seed potatoes?

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