ALLOTMENT keepers in Ringwood were recognised for their efforts in special competition.

The winners were announced during a meeting of Ringwood Town Council last week (Wednesday, September 30), which was held online via Zoom.

The competition is held annually but due to Covid-19 it was not possible to hold a presentation ceremony to present the award winners with their prizes.

The chairman of the town council’s recreation, leisure and open spaces committee, Councillor Andy Briers said: “I’d like to congratulate all the people who entered and who were involved in what is a difficult year for us all.

“As always we extend out thanks to Mr Atack and his colleagues at Ringwood Gardening Club for their support and judging the competition. I’d also like to thank Nicola Vodden, the [council’s] meeting and allotments administrator for all of her efforts as well.”

Cllr Briers said the “standards were, as always, very high”.

The winners are as follows:

  • Upper Kingston – Mr and Mrs Shields (1st) and Sarah Shatwell (2nd)
  • Southampton Road – Anne Taylor (1st) and Colin Jay (2nd)
  • Hightown Road – Peter Malloy (1st) and M Gubbins (2nd)
  • Mini Plots – Josephine Burkin (1st and 2nd)

The overall winner was Mr and Mrs Shields

The mayor of Ringwood, Councillor Tony Ring, thanked all the winners, adding: “Not only do you do yourselves some good by working allotments the way you do but you also add value to the community by way of what you do. Without exception all of us are grateful for your efforts and offer congratulations on success. Thank you in deed and well done.”

The competition winners have been presented with certificates, rosettes and a glass trophy.