2026 Plant Swap and Sale: Saturday 16th May, 10am- 12 noon
Don’t miss this popular village event, held in (and outside, weather permitting) the meeting room of the village hall. You never know what you may find, it all depends what our gardeners bring in. There’s annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, herbs, grasses, sometimes small shrubs to swap or buy.

As usual the WI will be providing refreshments, a produce stall and a tombola – a prize every time. Do come along, have a look, pick up some plants, pause for a coffee and scone, chat to friends old and new, see what else has been brought, a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Thanks to Linda for creating our poster for the event!

Progress Update on the Allotment Improvement Plan
From our Allotments Chair, Rachel Harrison:
We have been lucky with the weather in April, so have taken advantage to make more progress on our allotment improvements.

It was very gratifying to see that the effect of the clearance work over February and March has already made a difference in terms of light for the spring flowers so had to take a photo for comparison (see below). Straight after the Easter weekend, work started on levelling the Illingworth Way gateway and erecting the pergola for our planned “amenity” area. By the end of the week, the pergola was up and already providing shelter from the bright sun, affording an excellent place to view spring emerging all around. Fresh growth, spring flowers, buzzing bees, and a flush of butterflies.

Mmm… if only there was somewhere to sit down! A bench has already been ordered and is due for delivery at the end of May. To prepare for installation, Plot 4 is being gradually cleared. Many, many bags have been taken to the tip. We will be planting later when ground is cleared.

By Monday 13th April the path inside and outside the Illingworth Way gate was finished and dry to walk on. We are now just waiting for rain to help the grass seed germinate.

Bearing in mind the hot dry weather, thoughts are now focussed on the water supply… it would be good to shore up the older tanks before the heavy usage begins. For that purpose, materials have been purchased and the worst tank will be tackled straight away. Preparation for the installation of a fifth tank will start in May, firstly locating the mains. Hopefully some rain in the meantime will help soften the ground, making digging down a little easier. We are also thinking ahead for the boundary hedge reduction in the autumn. Some discussion and measuring up has been going on in order to get an up-to-date quote and hopefully book in the contractors for later in the year. Check out the photos below!