PLOT-HOLDERS turned out in force for an annual barbecue at Victory Garden allotments.

The Rawdon allotments were the scene of a number of celebrations during the event.

Victory Garden Allotments Association chairman Phil Gomersall said: “All our plots had been judged a couple of days prior to the barbecue. The celebrations started with the award of a trophy and certificate awarded to Denise Chappel for ‘The Best Plot’. Denise has worked really hard on her plot and the results are quite stunning. Michael Egan and John Hattersley both received a ‘Highly Commended’ certificate.

“This was followed by a trophy and certificate awarded to Rebecca Chesmore having ‘The Best Newcomers Plot’. Rebecca has only had the plot since October last year which is now full of healthy crops. A ‘Highly Commended Newcomer’ certificate was awarded to Richard Furnival.”

He added: “Our communal store (an old school porta-cabin) is on its last legs but has given us many years of service but has reached a condition which makes it unsafe to use. We had the offer of a large concrete garage 24ft x 10ft and we removed and transported it across the city of Leeds in two vans. It was really heavy work and thanks go out to all who participated in its transportation and re-erection.

“So our second celebration was the official opening of our new communal building which is looking rather resplendent. The honour was bestowed upon me to cut the red ribbon and officially open it, no half measures here, it was done proper.”

Mr Gomersall, who has recently been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Horticulture in Yorkshire, was presented with a special celebration cake during the barbecue.

He said: “The chairman and the treasurer called me over and then started to tell everyone the tale about all the things I had done in particular for our site since I got a plot 20 odd years ago. Then one of our ladies wheeled up a wheel barrow, and what a surprise, in the barrow was the most amazing cake I have ever seen in my life, not only that but a card signed by nearly all our plot-holders on site as well. I was really touched that my friends on the allotment would do that for me and how they had managed to keep me in the dark about it as I usually know what’s going on. What a surprise.”

The celebratory event also included a scarecrow competition. The winners will received certificates at a later date.