The purpose of this site is to provide a central information service to all allotment holders of the above association. Please explore the site and if you have any feedback please go to the contact page and speak to the author or the secretary.
Thank you to those who attended the scheduled Quarterly General Meeting on Saturday, 5th September 2026.
Under Rule 11.5 of our registered rules, a General Meeting requires a formal quorum of 20 shareholding members to transact statutory business and pass binding resolutions. As attendance fell short of this threshold, the formal meeting could not proceed, and the session transitioned into an informal open discussion and site briefing.
Summary of Topics Discussed:
Co-operative Principles: An overview was shared regarding how Old Park Farm operates as an FCA-registered co-operative society, focusing on member participation, collective responsibility, and transparent governance.
July AGM Minutes: Printed draft minutes of the reconvened Annual General Meeting held on 19th July 2026 were circulated to attendees for information.
Site Shop Initiative: Plans were outlined to establish an on-site association shop to provide affordable compost, seeds, and gardening sundries directly to members.
Plot Inspections & Standards: An update was provided confirming that site inspections and plot lettings are overseen by Michael Graham and Steve Yorke to ensure plots remain cultivated to tenancy standards and to support tenants facing cultivation difficulties.
Community Orchard Transition: Proposals were discussed to bring the orchard as productive allotment plot to meet tenancy demand.
Water Conservation: Discussion covered responsible water use across the site, alongside proposals for communal rainwater harvesting using water butts and storage containers. An enquiry was also raised with the Treasurer regarding recent water bill expenditure to assist in reviewing ongoing site running costs.
Handling of Site Complaints: Attendees were briefed on how historical and ongoing complaints are managed. The Management Committee continues to handle all member concerns fairly, consistently, and through proper confidential channels to maintain a constructive and safe community.
Committee Arrangements: At the outset of the meeting, David Murfet announced his decision to step down as Chair, following which the informal meeting proceeded, led by the remaining Management Committee. In accordance with Rule 10.4 of our registered rules, the Management Committee has since convened to address the casual vacancy and has formally co-opted Tom Jeavons to serve as Chair and Scott Nichols co-opted to serve on the committee, until the next AGM.
Its that time again work party day . Anyone is welcome to help with our work party
🌿Allotment Work Party This Sunday 🌿
Join fellow plot holders today for our monthly volunteer work party to help keep our site clean, safe, and tidy for everyone. Whether you can spare 30 minutes or a couple of hours, every pair of hands makes a huge difference!
When: Sunday 18th from 10:30 AM onwards
Where: Meet by the main polytunnel on site
What we do at a work party which varies each month
Clearing communal paths: Strimming edges and clearing overgrowth.
Tidying vacant plots & borders: Removing weeds and brambles to keep seed spread down
Car park & boundary maintenance: General sweep, litter pick, and cutting back invasive weeds
Communal upkeep: Organizing shared tools and clearing around water points
Plot Holders if you have anything to donate for the raffle please let WB know the events co-ordinator, or a committee member.
We understand that this year has been difficult due to the weather and people may not have much, bring what you can please.
Event Schedule & Details
Date: Saturday, 26th September 2026
Location: The Polytunnel & Site Car Park
Staging Opens: 11:00 AM
Entries Close: 12:45 PM Sharp
Judging Commences: 1:00 PM
Admission: Free Entry — all members, family, and friends welcome!
Rule: Any class with only 1 entry will be voided.
How to Enter in 3 Easy Steps
Choose what you want to enter: Pick anything you have grown on your plot that matches the categories below. You can enter as many classes as you like!
Bring your crops (11:00 AM – 12:45 PM): Bring them to the staging tables in the Polytunnel. Entry cards and paper plates will be provided for you.
Enjoy the Show & BBQ (From 1:00 PM): Judging starts at 1:00 PM. Once the winners are chosen, the barbecue opens, awards are presented, and the raffle is drawn.
Simple Rules to Remember
All produce and flowers must be grown on your own plot at Old Park Farm.
For sets (like 3 carrots or 5 potatoes), try to pick items that match in size and shape.
If only 1 person enters a specific class, that class cannot be judged.
Class 26 (The Biggest Disaster): Anyone can enter! Bring your wonkiest carrot, two-headed tomato, or funny crop failure for a laugh.
Section 1: Roots, Bulbs & Alliums
Class 1: Beetroot (Round) – 3 specimens (60–75mm)
Class 3: Carrots – 3 specimens (straight tapers)
Class 5: Beetroot (Long) – 3 specimens (approx. 150mm)
Class 7: Leeks – 3 specimens (solid, parallel blanch)
Class 10: Onions – 3 specimens (red or white)
Class 10A: Best Root Trio – 1 parsnip, 1 carrot, 1 potato/leek
Class 11: Parsnips – 3 specimens (even taper)
Class 14: Potatoes – 5 specimens (200–250g)
Class 17: Shallots – 6 specimens (thin necks, tied)
Class 22: Swede / Turnip – 1 single root
Class 23: Garlic – 3 bulbs (tied over)
Section 2: Vines, Greens & Brassicas
Class 2: Cabbage – 1 solid head (short stem)
Class 4: Cauliflower – 1 close, solid white head
Class 6: Cucumber – 1 fresh, straight specimen
Class 8: Lettuce – 1 clean head (staged in water)
Class 12: Chillies (Hot) – 3 specimens with stalks
Class 13: Sweet Peppers – 3 firm specimens with stalks
Class 16: Runner / French Beans – 6 matched, tender pods
Class 18: Sweetcorn – 2 well-set cobs
Class 19: Beef Tomatoes – 3 ripe specimens (75mm+ with stalks)
Class 20: Medium Tomatoes – 6 ripe specimens (approx. 60mm with stalks)
Class 21: Cherry Tomatoes – 9 ripe specimens (35mm or less with stalks)
Class 24: Culinary Herbs – 1 fresh pot or staged bunch
Section 3: Giants, Fruits & Novelty Crops
Class 9: Marrow (Table) – 1 specimen (under 350mm)
Class 9A: Heaviest Marrow – Monster scale (heaviest wins)
Class 15: Pumpkin (Table) – 1 specimen (even shape)
Class 15A: Heaviest Pumpkin – Giant scale (heaviest wins)
Class 16A: Longest Runner Bean – Tip-to-tip measurement
Class 25: Winter / Summer Squash – 1 specimen
Class 27: Other Large Veg – 1 specimen (e.g. aubergine, kale)
Class 28: Other Medium Veg – 3 specimens (e.g. okra, fennel)
Class 29: Other Small Veg – 6 specimens (e.g. radishes, peas in pod)
Class 30: Other Large Fruit – 1 specimen (e.g. melon, peach, plum)
Class 31: Other Small Fruit – 1 plate of soft berries
Class 32: Apples / Pears – 3 specimens (single or mixed variety)
Section 4: Flowers & Novelty Awards
Class 33: Specimen Single Bloom – 1 star stem (dahlia, gladioli, rose, chrysanthemum)
Class 34: Vase of 3 Flowers – 3 blooms of one species
Class 35: Vase of 6 Flowers – 6 blooms of one species
Class 36: Best Mixed Bunch – Cottage garden bunch in a 5-inch vase
Class 26: The Biggest Disaster! – Funniest wonky vegetable or crop failure
Community Barbecue, Tea Tent & Raffle
Hot food straight off the barbecue after judging finishes.
Tea, coffee, and homemade cakes available on-site.
BYOB Welcome: Bring your own beer, wine, or cider.
Harvest raffle draw with gardening hampers and prizes.
