This past Saturday, 9th August, saw the sun shining down on the Green Lanes Allotment Association’s much-loved Open Day, drawing in visitors from across Hatfield for a day of community, stalls, and celebration.
Plot holders and friends of the allotments pulled out all the stops, offering a variety of stalls selling delicious homemade cakes, handcrafted allotment signs and cutting boards, beautiful plants and flowers, and even a supply of soft alpaca wool! Hertfordshire Constabulary paid a visit, bringing along a police car that proved a big hit with children (and plenty of adults too!).
On what proved to be a lovely hot, sunny afternoon, Hatfield Town Council’s Coffee Zone van was on hand to keep everyone cool and refreshed, as visitors mingled and got to know each other better. The Hertfordshire County Councillor for Hatfield North, Dr Beth Kelly, also stopped by for a visit and to look at all the great work the community had been doing.
Plot Awards
The day also featured the always much-anticipated awards ceremony, recognising the hard work and creativity of the allotment community. Generously supported by Tasties, Asda, and Ayletts Nurseries, prizes included vouchers and donations for winners, and Mayor of Hatfield, Councillor Mick Wise was on hand to present the awards to the lucky winners.
As well as several commendations awarded for well-kept plots across the site, this year’s award winners were:
- Best Plot: Habib Seyedzaden
- Best Plot Runner-Up: Julian Walker
- Most Improved Plot: Alan Radzikowski
- Best Newcomer: Mary Muponda
This year, the Green Lanes Allotment Association also challenged plot holders to craft their own scarecrows, with the winning creation by Elena Langley earning plenty of admiration.
Winners Gallery
Click through the gallery below to see some of our winners!
The event was a fitting start to National Allotment Week (running from 11th-17th August), which this year celebrates the theme “Allotments and Wellbeing”. The campaign highlights the many physical and mental health benefits that allotments bring, from fresh air and exercise to the joy of growing your own food and being part of a supportive community.
Hatfield Town Council would like to thank everyone who helped make the day such a success, and to congratulate all our amazing award winners.
