Information for each event including dates and times are outlined below, circulated through the newsletter, and a poster with full details should be on the Noticeboard.
If you have recently signed up as a member and seek clarification about specific events please email us on caamembers2@gmail.com.
There is also an Event History page as a record of previous years results and a recognition and appreciation of the effort expended by those putting themselves forward and entering the various competitions.
.
2026
SUMMARY
.
.
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 7th April 2026
Each year as a requirement of being an Association we hold a meeting to elect new or re-elect existing Committee members. Important topics relating to Allotments and the Association, and news about the years upcoming events are also discussed. There is a break usually part way through or at the end for free refreshment. It can also be a great way to meet and talk to other members or raise issues of concern or ideas about how the Association can improve. There is no bar to entry for Committee members, as long as you have passion, some free time, and useful skills to add.
Below are the Chairman’s notes:-
Our Annual General Meeting took place on 7th April and we had an above average attendance.
It started bang on time at 7pm and finished 19 minutes later, a personal best for me.
The accounts were reviewed and accepted.
The current committee was re-elected with the addition of Bob Winwright who volunteered and is warmly welcomed.
Penny Young was presented with the RHS Banksian Medal for 2025.
After the business was concluded, Alex Horne, who runs Essex Allotment Farm, gave a short, interesting talk.
He is in the course of moving to a larger acreage and when established there is an invitation for the CAA to visit.
Alex provides veg boxes for his customers for 2/3 of the year.
Although Alex farms organically, he stated that his small holding is surrounded by farmers who don’t, so any pest has to travel through or over land that has been liberally sprayed with insecticides and herbicides to get to his patch. Pollination is therefore via his bee hives.
.
VISITS
RHS Hyde Hall
The Colchester Allotment Association members visited the RHS Garden at Hyde Hall near Chelmsford on Saturday 27th June.
As part of the CAA’s affiliation to the RHS we are offered a trip each year to one of their gardens.
An interesting and amusing report by Addrian of the visit features in the 02/08/2026 Newsletter.
Further information for future visits will be sent through the newsletter and social media with the Association trying to vary the time of year/season for each visit.
Places are usually limited to 55 people and are allocated on a first come basis.
.
RHS banksian medal Award
.
COMPETITIONS
Best Plot Competitions
Judging took place during week commencing 13/07/26 for Best Established Plot and Best New Plot categories.
Thank you to all the allotment holders that put themselves forward and undertook the hard work in the driest of conditions.
A quote in the 02/08/2026 Newsletter stated:-
“The members of the committee that made up the judging panel were amazed at the high standard of the entries, the incredible level of enthusiasm, commitment and expertise of the members was so clear to be seen.”
The certificates and trophies will be presented at the “5-in-a-Box / Produce event on 15/08/2026
.
Best Scarecrow Competition
Judging took place during week commencing 13/07/2026
Again thank you for the members who put themselves forward and it was also noted in the newsletter that the Scarecrow competition once again seems to bring out the humour in the contestants.
Although not a winner Robert Gould’s scarecrow with the expressive and impressive crafted papier-mache head was mentioned.
The awards will be presented at the “5-in-a-Box / Produce event on 15/08/2026
,
tallest sunflower competition
The competition for the tallest Sunflower grown from seeds provided by the CAA.
Measuring for the tallest Sunflower is taking place on the morning of Friday 7th August.
.
“5-in-a-Box” / produce Competition
Saturday 15th August – Entries between 10:00am to 11:00am with the judging results announced around 11:30am.
Lexden Allotment Site, Chaucer Way, CO3 4HA
Entrants can select 5 of their best produce that has been grown or made from things grown on their allotment, be that vegetables, fruit, flowers, jams, chutney, cakes, wine etc.
Refer to the Noticeboard for full details.
The competition is part of the CAA’s contribution to the The National Allotment Society’s National Allotment Week 10th to the 16th August.
.
Great Pumpkin Competition
Saturday 31st October – The timing is to be confirmed.
Location – To be confirmed
Each year in Autumn we host the Great Pumpkin Competition at a local allotment site with refreshments and the all-important weighing of pumpkins. Categories may include but are subject to change.
- Heaviest Pumpkin
- Tastiest Pumpkin Pie
- Best Carved Pumpkin
- Most Impressive Squash or Gourd
.
Updated on the 04/08/2026