Other BDAC Site and Plot Competitions! Each year secretaries are sent entry forms for the following competitions, if you haven’t yet entered and would like to get more information just ask your advisor The Cliff Jones Trophy All Associations can nominate two plot holders for this competition to find the best allotment plot in Birmingham! The Florence Pickering Trophy All associations can nominate two plot holders for this competition to find the best newcomer to allotmenteering. This is for new plot holders only, those who have held a plot for less than 18 months. The Thorpe Trophy All Associations can enter this competition to find the best site in the city, so if you are proud of your site why not enter! The Robins Trophy Is for those who have not entered before but would like to show off their site and all the Association’s hard work at improving it. The Frank Carter Is about giving all those hard working Associations out there a chance to blow their own trumpet, to show and share their ideas on how to manage and to improve our sites. Look out for entry forms for these competitions as they are sent to Secretaries in the spring. Judging takes place in July. Birmingham and District Allotment Confederation Birmingham Allotments Show Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham August 27th, 28th and 29th 2016 (And other competitions) A Guide for Associations and Plot holders 1
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The BDAC invites all Associations and Plot holders to enter The Birmingham Annual Allotment Show 2016 Why should I enter? Firstly, it is the biggest showcase for Birmingham Allotments that there is and it needs your support to make it even better. Since the demise of the Kings Heath Show the BDAC has worked to secure alternate sponsorship and venue, now we have the superb location of Cannon Hill Park! Thanks to the Big Top organisation and Robert Wilkinson Funfairs, who support us. We need YOU! We need to attract more visitors and entries, it is the best way to publicise Birmingham’s fantastic allotments, to attract new plot-­‐holders and secure the future of our Allotments. Secondly, it gives an incentive to improve the cultivation of plots and Allotment Sites. Thirdly it gives an opportunity for the Allotment Community to come together and celebrate our considerable achievements And finally-­‐ its great fun
! Do I need to be an expert? In a word No! Although its great to do a little research on how to best grow your flowers fruit and veg, it really depends on you how serious you want to take it. Some veg like the large onion, leeks, celery etc. do need some extra consideration but for most classes, your entry can just be the best of your normal growing crops, flowers and fruit. The BDAC runs several other
competitions too; all Birmingham
Council Sites are eligible to enter.
For more details see over leaf.
Individual Plot holders How do I enter? The BDAC sends out a Show schedule and an entry form to Associations early in the year. It is also available to download from the web site bdac.allotments.co.uk otherwise contact the show secretary, Steve Bailey…. e-­‐mail: [email protected] The schedule contains over 50 classes for you to enter; five specifically for Associations, the rest for individual plot holders. All Birmingham City Allotment tenants are eligible. Associations can enter displays of Flowers, fruit and veg. T here is no entry fee! – Just prizes for coming in the top four. Associations will need to construct their own display stand. Just ask for support and ideas. It is an excellent way to showcase
your site, to attract new tenants
If you are entering your own produce each class has a small entry fee attached, and if it is placed in the top three, will win cash prizes. How are they judged? All classes are judged according to the Royal Horticultural Handbook. If you are keen you can purchase a copy of the handbook from the RHS web site, it details how the flowers, fruit and veg are given points and how to display them appropriately. Alternatively you can attend one of the workshops the BDAC is running for those new to exhibiting, where experience exhibitors will be on hand to share their skills and knowledge. BDAC Show Workshop to be held at Bordesley Green Allotments th
19 March starting 1.00 p.m. Did you know that there are classes specifically for children to enter! So you can inspire a new generation of a llotmenteers by getting your children and grandchildren involved.