2026 AGM
All Foxton residents are members of the FGA and invited to the AGM on Tuesday, April 14th at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. There will be a short formal start to present the annual accounts and elect the committee, before a review of last year’s activities and the plans for this year (for which new ideas are always welcome!). Our guest speaker is Richard Houghton, who will be giving a presentation titled “Bee Keeping through the year and throughout history”. Drinks and nibbles will be served, everyone welcome.

2026 Plant Swap and Sale
This is always a popular event and will be held on Saturday, May 16th from 10am -12pm in the Village Hall. The WI will also be there serving refreshments. Don’t miss it!

2026 Village Show
Every house will receive copy of the schedule in August but here are the classes for the photography and craft sections:

Photography
1. A photo capturing the essence of Spring
2. A photo capturing the essence of Summer
3. A photo capturing the essence of Autumn
4. A photo capturing the essence of Winter
5. Celebrations

Craft
1. A painting in any medium
2. An example of hand embroidery oy tapestry
3. An example of hand knitting or crochet
4. An example of sewing
5. An example of paper craft in any form
6. An ornamental craft made from found objects

Progress Update on the Allotment Improvement Plan
From our Allotments Chair, Rachel Harrison:
Since the exciting news that we were successful in receiving funds we have set about delivering our proposed improvements.

At the end of January-beginning of February we tackled the holes under the boundary fence. Trail-cam footage showed us we definitely had badgers trying to get in/out, digging increasingly big holes, so it was important to do that first, before they moved in to stay. Strong wire mesh was installed to a depth of 60cms on both sides of the fence. Despite evidence of our stripey friends still trying to get through, the repairs held strong. Hopefully when the pathway through the gate is levelled there will be no room for them to get in.

At the same time, we took two lower limbs off and lots of loose dead branches out of the Lime tree overhanging the Illingworth Gateway and chopped them up to make log & stick piles for little creatures to nest and live. Far less danger of them falling on your head or car now.

Many thanks to Peter Sullivan and the Parish Council for their support and help in facilitating that work.

Throughout February and March some clearance work has begun in the wildlife corners and also on Plot 4 in preparation for the bench and pergola to be installed later in the summer.

After Easter (expected start date April 7th) work will start on improving the pathway through Illingworth Way gate. This will mean no access through that gate temporarily but only for a few days, weather permitting.

Check out the before and after photos below!

Allotment Improvement Plan 2026
We are kicking off 2026, with exciting news regarding the allotments from our Allotments Chair, Rachel Harrison:

Much as we love our allotment site, after 19 years some aspects require attention to keep the site safe, accessible, functional for everyone, and manageable for the next 20 years. So, in Summer 2025 we drew up a plan for improvements and made an application for grant funds offered by South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC). Our plan includes:

Keeping the site safe
In the Spring of 2026, we plan to make the gateway at Illingworth Way safer and easier to use, removing overhanging branches from the lime tree, laying a hard path from the pavement to the gate, and levelling out the slope from the gate to the main path (an added advantage is reducing the gap below the gate to limit the size of animals that can get in).
Keeping the site manageable
In the late Autumn of 2026, we plan to get contractors in to reduce the height and width of the boundary hedge. This will make the hedge growth more manageable on an annual basis, let more light in for those in its shadow, and recover some ground for plots alongside the hedges. At the same time, we will reduce the growth of trees and shrubs in the wildlife corners selectively, again to let in light and encourage a wider variety of flora and fauna.
Keeping the site functional
During the year we plan to organise some remedial work on the water supply system, strengthening existing tanks and lids, and where necessary replacing them. An additional tank in a central position is also proposed. While the hedge and gateway work is attended to, we will repair the fences to limit access under the gate for large creatures. If we have enough funds to spare, our plan includes installing a sturdy, fire- and theft-proof shed where we can keep communal tools safe and dry, including a communal lawnmower and strimmer.
Enhancing the amenity value
We plan to create a space with a bench and half-roofed pergola which will give us, and family, friends and visitors, somewhere to take a break, shelter from heat or rain, socialise, and enjoy the view. We also want to design and plant it up to provide conditions for beneficial insects to thrive.

In January 2026 we were very pleased to learn we have been offered up to a total of £12,000 by SCDC from the Allotment Improvement Grant and the Community Chest Grant. This will need to be spent within 12-18 months. So, the plan is now going live!

Watch this space for updates on our progress. If you wish to know more or have any questions or suggestions – please get in touch.

2026 FGA events – dates for your diary
Provisional dates for this year’s events are below:

• Tuesday, April 14th AGM
• Saturday, May 16th Plant Swap and Sale
• Saturday, September 12th Village Show

The days are lengthening so the FGA committee would like to wish you HAPPY GARDENING!