Allotment Competition Result
31st July 2025
In: General News
The Allotment Association annual competition was held again this year, and was judged by Alistair and Alison Gillan, who have an allotment at Hill Road. Alistair also produced a film in respect of Allotments locally and the beneficial impact they have on our health and well being, and several plot holders along with other plots in Chelmsford took part in this project.
For ease we split the competition into two segments, one for those who have held a plot for less than 18 months, and those who have held for over 18 months.
Our judges also took the opportunity to see how we go about things on site, and picked up lots of ideas to take back to their own site and group at Hill Road.
The results as follows:
winner of the over 18 months - Darryl Mullinger
2nd place - Richard Harris
3rd place - Joan Kama
winner of the under 18 months - Eugene and Carmen Calugar
Our judges provided some feedback in terms of their decision
" 1st place - this plot really captured our feeling of what a great plot would be, from small fruit trees, to basic produce, really well laid out, and then there were chickens. I think as individuals with our own plot, what we value and appreciate is the commitment it takes to maintain it, and grow great produce, although growing the way we do, there will always be failures. For us, it wasn't about who was growing the best produce, it was more about the journey of growing.
in 2nd place - this plot just showed an enormous amount of commitment and love, functional and well loved, and then to third place where it was difficult to fault this plot. Innovative beds, lots or variety it was just a pleasure to walk around.
it was a really tough decision to take to select three beyond many others. There were many plots that showed off the love, attention, and amazing amounts of effort so huge congratulations to everyone concerned.
We'd like to make a special shout out to the Wilderness foundation, which is such an important project and this should really be replicated on many more sites. Finally, the best site for the newcomers was chosen because so much works had been put into it already that we are sure they will be contenders for the best overall plot in years to come.
Thank you all for inviting us to have a look round."
The trophies for this years competition will be awarded at the Annual Coffee and Mince pie morning (not forgetting Tony's legendary brew) which takes place on Saturday 6th December. Please book mark this date in your diary, as it also provides us with the opportunity to update everyone about what is happening on site, the trading hut, and for fellow plot members to enjoy a relaxed morning before the relentless hurtle toward christmas.
Finally a big thank you to Alistair and Alison for giving up their time and energy to wander round our plots, and for everyone on site who help to make these things possible.
" 1st place - this plot really captured our feeling of what a great plot would be, from small fruit trees, to basic produce, really well laid out, and then there were chickens. I think as individuals with our own plot, what we value and appreciate is the commitment it takes to maintain it, and grow great produce, although growing the way we do, there will always be failures. For us, it wasn't about who was growing the best produce, it was more about the journey of growing.
in 2nd place - this plot just showed an enormous amount of commitment and love, functional and well loved, and then to third place where it was difficult to fault this plot. Innovative beds, lots or variety it was just a pleasure to walk around.
it was a really tough decision to take to select three beyond many others. There were many plots that showed off the love, attention, and amazing amounts of effort so huge congratulations to everyone concerned.
We'd like to make a special shout out to the Wilderness foundation, which is such an important project and this should really be replicated on many more sites. Finally, the best site for the newcomers was chosen because so much works had been put into it already that we are sure they will be contenders for the best overall plot in years to come.
Thank you all for inviting us to have a look round."
The trophies for this years competition will be awarded at the Annual Coffee and Mince pie morning (not forgetting Tony's legendary brew) which takes place on Saturday 6th December. Please book mark this date in your diary, as it also provides us with the opportunity to update everyone about what is happening on site, the trading hut, and for fellow plot members to enjoy a relaxed morning before the relentless hurtle toward christmas.
Finally a big thank you to Alistair and Alison for giving up their time and energy to wander round our plots, and for everyone on site who help to make these things possible.