We are proud to announce that we are prize-winners for our efforts on Plot 97! There is an annual allotment competition run by Manchester City Council in which a judge comes to visit the site unannounced in a window of a few weeks towards the end of the summer and scores everyones plots. We are not sure of all of the scoring categories but they rate the amount of produce and the number of different varieties being grown  and the overall appearance of the plot. We were awarded the highest number of points on site three and this warranted a Certificate of Special Merit! We were also awarded a cup for Best Newcomers on site three by the Society. We came joint top with Simon and Sarah on Plot 111 who were also awarded a cup so we can both proudly display them on the mantlepiece! It is really nice to have our efforts rewarded and we hope that we can continue the success next year with both plots – no pressure then!

It was a brief visit to the allotment today, partly due to other commitments but also due to the appalling weather that we have had lately. The amount of rain that has fallen is quite astounding and certainly does not  provide the best conditions to be digging in. Nevertheless Neil got to work on another bed that was full of twitch grass and almost cleared it before we had to head off. It probably needs another dig through before we cover it with manure next week.

We did manage to find time for a visit from Tammy the cat. It is really sad but she is now almost fully blind. It was only a few weeks ago that she was regularly pottering around watching us work and having lots of cuddles but we then noticed that she had a bloodshot eye. It didn’t improve and we then did not see her for a little while which of course had us fearing the worst. However, we were pleased to hear that Vicky, who lives next to the allotments and has always ensured the various cats are taken to the vets, has taken her into her home. She has seen the vet who thinks she has lost most, if not all, of her sight, but she is still in fine form. Vicky brought her onto the site this morning for a reunion and happily Tammy looked really well and seemed content. She had a good old fuss from us two who she remembered and Vicky will be popping over with her every now and then, so fear not everyone who enjoys the Tammy updates!

Hopefully more work to report soon – as long as the rain eases off!