Author: Admin

Monthly news, June 2026

2026 Plant Swap and Sale
Thank you to everyone who joined this year’s plant swap and sale. It was, as always, a lovely morning and we hope that your swaps and purchases are doing well. Thanks to your generosity, we raised almost £200, which will go towards FGA projects and events in the village.

2026 Best Kept Front Garden competition
We are currently finalising the judging dates for the annual competition. We anticipate that preliminary area judging will be performed by FGA committee members during mid/late June and the shortlisted gardens will be judged in early July (dates TBC). The Foxton resident with best kept front garden will be awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Cup at the Village Show in September.

Foxton Village Show – Saturday, September 12th 2026
Save the date for the annual village show! More details will be revealed over the coming months including further details of categories. The committee are currently putting together plans for the event.

Additionally if you are a local business or club and would like to advertise in our programme or take a tabletop exhibit space at the show please get in touch! This is a super opportunity to join us on the day or have your advert delivered to more than 500 homes in Foxton when we distribute the show programme in August. Don’t miss this promotional opportunity while supporting the great work of the FGA.

Local clubs can have a table for free. Businesses can participate for a small fee:

  • Tabletop exhibit space: £25
  • Programme adverts: Full Page £30 / Half Page £20 / Quarter Page £15

Complete our contact form with your interest and we’ll get in touch to arrange the details.

Progress Update on the Allotment Improvement Plan
From our Allotments Chair, Rachel Harrison:

May has been difficult weather-wise, a freezing cold start, knocking back sprouting potatoes and then boiling hot, scorching the earth. But still no real rain. As a result, the grass seed sown at the Illingworth Gate has not sprouted… yet. However, there is some other progress to report. Gradual clearance of Plot 4 has continued, mainly pulling out extensive stinging nettle roots and clearing old plastic mulching fabric. All to make room for the installation of the bench beneath our new pergola. The bench will arrive on 29th May and be installed soon thereafter.

A water butt has been sourced together with down pipe and fixings so we can collect water from the pergola roof. As the ground is cleared and levelled this will be installed. We have grass seed and wildflower mixes to spread wherever and whenever the conditions are right. At the beginning of the month we tried out, with success, a method of bracing the deformed water tanks, starting on the worst tank. Now we have a strong and secure vessel with a new lid, (see pictures below) so will do the same for the tank near the Illingworth Gate in due course. Plans for the new 5th tank have been consulted upon, i.e. exactly which spot to place said tank. Recycled blocks have been contributed, upon which to stand the tank (thanks Earl). These now mark the spot at the crossroads of the main paths.

The Tree Surgery contractors have visited again to give an up-to-date quote. It is 10 months since they gave a price and some of the specification has changed due to clearance work over the winter. We have also sought necessary permissions to get the contractors chipping machine across the Rec to the allotments. As soon as the revised quote is received they will be booked so we can meet the requirements of the Grant Application to complete the work within 12 months.

Categories: Best Kept Front Garden, Foxton Village Show, News, Plant Sale and Swap

Monthly news, May 2026

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!

FGA Plant Swap and Sale 2026

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!

Categories: News, Plant Sale and Swap

Monthly news, April 2026

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!

Categories: AGM, Allotments, Foxton Village Show, News, Plant Sale and Swap

Monthly news, March 2026

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!

Categories: AGM, Allotments, Foxton Village Show, News, Plant Sale and Swap

Monthly news, December 2025

The successful wine tasting evening on Saturday November 8th was the last fundraising event of the year for the FGA. This year has seen the Plant Swap in May, Open Gardens in June, a photography workshop in the Summer, the Village Show in September,  and the refurbishment of the War Memorial. It has been so rewarding to have the support of so many for these events and we look forward to next year, whatever the weather.

The FGA committee would like to wish everyone a happy, peaceful Christmas and 2026.

Categories: News

Monthly news, November 2025

Wine Tasting, Saturday 8th November 2025
Please join us for the last FGA event of the year! The wine tasting is always a popular night and is an opportunity to try 6 great wines accompanied by a cheeseboard. The event is at 7.30pm for an 8pm start in the Village Hall meeting room. Tickets are £25 per person and can be reserved by contacting us by e-mail or via the website contact form. Places are limited so book early!

Foxton War Memorial
One of the many things the FGA does to enhance our village is to look after the war memorial. This involves changing the planting when necessary and watering during the summer. After many years, the planters were in need of replacement and the committee decided to use the money raised at this year’s Village Show to replace the planters and plants in time for this year’s Remembrance Service. Thanks to Jon, Paul and Steve on the committee for setting up the new display at the memorial.

Categories: FGA Wine Tasting, News, Recent projects

Monthly news, October 2025

2025 Village Show
It was so good to see how many people entered and visited the village show on Saturday, September 13th. Astonishingly there were exactly the same number of exhibits as last year, but a different spread of course. Because of the unpredictable weather in the afternoon we were unable to have any refreshments outside so the lounge was very busy all the time. The atmosphere was delightful, lots of chats with friends and neighbours old and new, once again a most enjoyable village “do”!

A special thanks goes to our exhibition judges across the different categories and also to our exhibitors, which this year included:

Funds raised from the show (e.g. show entries, admissions, raffle tickets) will be used to replace the Foxton War Memorial shrubs and pots.


A list of this year’s prize-winners can be found here.

Thank you to everyone who took part, attended, and supported the show. Here’s to next year!

Wine tasting – save the date!
This is the FGA’s last event of 2025 and will be held on Saturday, November 8th. Tickets cost £25 per person and numbers are limited so book early. Please use contact form or e-mail us at contact {at} foxtongardens.org to reserve tickets.

Categories: FGA Wine Tasting, Foxton Village Show, News

Monthly news, September 2025

  • Village Show, Saturday September 13th 2025

Every house in the village has now received a copy of the show schedule. Do try to enter, even if only one item. Whether or not you have entered, do come along to the show, which runs from 2-4.30pm. You can see the entries, join the raffle, swap/buy some books, have a drink and cake, meet up with old friends, make some new ones, and have a great time at this very popular village event!

Download the poster here.

  • Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Nature Recovery Strategy – Have your say!

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region is now open to public consultation, where you can have your say on the strategy that has been developed and view the local habitat map that sets out the priority areas for nature recovery in the region. The consultation will run for 8 weeks, ending Thursday 11 September.

The consultation is available here with a link to the survey at the bottom of the page. This link also provides access to the full draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy document as well as other supporting documentation and the local habitat map.

Why is the strategy important?
Everything we do, from the water we drink, the air we breathe and the food we eat is dependent on the natural world, yet England is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has one of the lowest proportions of land designated for nature in the UK.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies are an England-wide approach to targeting nature recovery. They set out priorities and actions to support nature recovery, inform sustainable land use planning and shape how nature-based solutions are delivered.

Further information
Printed versions of the survey and documentation will also be available at all 33 libraries within the region, as well as available to download. You can find your nearest library ​here​. The team at Cambridgeshire County Council will be available via localnaturerecoverystrategy@cambridgeshire.gov.uk to help answer any questions you may have.

Categories: Foxton Village Show, News

Monthly news, August 2025

  • 2025 Best Kept Front Garden Competition

Peter Jackson from Scotsdales very kindly did the final judging on June 24th, he was very impressed with the gardens he judged:

First place: Hilary Mungovan, 55 Station Rd
Joint Second place: Katie Hayward, 9 St Laurence Rd and Rachel Kirby, 3 Mortimers Lane

Many congratulations to them and to all who won their area. As usual the cup will be presented at the village show.

  • Village Show, Saturday September 13th 2025

Every house in the village will receive a copy of the show schedule this month. A copy of the programme is also available to view here. Do enter (if only one item), come along in the afternoon to see the exhibits, have some refreshments, enter the raffle and enjoy a “catch up” with friends and neighbours. In recent years we have been blessed with lovely weather for the show but whatever the weather the show is a great celebration of life in our lovely village.

  • Photography workshop

Many thanks to everyone who joined our photography workshop on Sunday 20th July 2025. The morning began with Catherine Cairns and Rachel Macintyre giving an enlightening overview of the history and conservation activities in the Dovecot Meadow. This was followed by local photographer André Neves giving a introduction to flower and insect photography taking us through the concepts, equipment and methods. He then lead our group out into the meadow for some practical photography experience. In the afternoon, we held an exhibition of André’s wildlife photography from the local area and also from his travels.

The gallery below shows some of our photographers in action in the meadow and also some fantastic shots of flowers and insects taken on the day by Torrie Smith, Theresa Penfound and Rebecca Rajendra.


Thank you to Catherine, Rachel and André for making this such a fun, informative and successful event.

You can find out more about André’s photography here and on his website.

  • Help our bees!

The recent hot and dry spells have left meadows parched and the impact on wildlife is considerable. Although some insects such as butterflies, wasps and ladybirds have thrived, bee populations have been heavily affected.

Wild About Gardens, which is linked to the RHS and The Wildlife Trust, has produced helpful information focusing on a different wildlife conservation theme every year. These action packs  provide a guide on how we can help and encourage a range of creatures such as hedgehogs, beetles, worms, bees and bats. A link to their guide on how we can help bees, which have been particularly impacted by the heatwaves, can be found here and more information is on their website. Thanks to André Neves for the link!

Categories: Foxton Village Show, News, Open Gardens

Monthly news, July 2025

  • Sign up for our wildlife photography workshop, Sunday 20th July 2025

Please get in touch  as soon as possible using the website contact form if you would like to book a place on our wildlife and flower practical photography workshop in the Dovecot Meadow run by local photographer André Neves. This will be a great opportunity to learn, improve or advance your skills photographing our local flora and fauna. The morning workshop will be open to all levels of experience and equipment but limited to 20 participants (minimum age 16) and cost £5. In the afternoon, there will be a free to attend print exhibition and sale in the hall of some of André’s local wildlife images.

Tentative schedule:
09:30 – 09:40 Greetings and brief introduction of programme and speakers
09:40 – 10:00 Introduction to conservation activities in the Dovecot Meadow
10:00 – 10:20 Introduction to flower and insect photography
10:30 – 12:00 Practical session in the Meadow
12:00 – 13:00 Review w/ refreshments and exhibition browse
13:00 End of practical workshop
14:00 – 16:00 Local Wildlife Photography: exhibition and print sale by André

  • Village Show, Saturday September 13th 2025

Every house will receive a copy of the show schedule in August so don’t forget to put the date in your diary! The categories for the Photography and Craft categories at the Village Show to be held on Saturday, September 13th 2024, are as follows:

Photos:

      1. Wildlife
      2. Village life
      3. Urban life
      4. Night life
      5. Home life

Craft, and an example of:

      1. Painting
      2. Embroidery or tapestry
      3. Knitting or crochet
      4. Sewing
      5. Greetings card in any medium
      6. Mosaic in any medium
  • Return of the 2024 cups

Cup holders from last year’s Village Show are asked to return them for engraving to IAN CONSTABLE, 11 Illingworth Way. tel 871508 (ian.constable1@ntlworld.com) as soon as possible and certainly by the end of July.

  • Open gardens

Our Open Gardens event was a great success! We would like to thank everyone who joined in, whether you opened you own garden, visited the gardens in the village, enjoyed tea and cake in the church (thanks to all our cake-makers and to Catherine Cairns in particular for her selection of homemade jams!) or made donations.  More than £400 was raised for this year’s chosen charity Help for Heroes!

Categories: Foxton Village Show, News, Open Gardens