As the vibrant city of Newcastle gears up for its annual Urban Green Allotment Plot Competition 2023, the local community is buzzing with excitement. Among the contenders vying for recognition and glory are Ngage NE Ltd and New Beginnings NE Ltd, who have joined forces to showcase their awe-inspiring community allotment sensory garden.
Let’s delve into the world of urban green spaces, highlighting the significance of allotments and shedding light on the inspiring journey of these two organisations as they prepare to compete in this year’s competition.
The Power of Allotments:
Allotments hold a special place in the hearts of many people, and last year’s competition was a testament to their significance. After speaking to the winners of the 2022 Allotment Plot Competition, Children North East about the importance of their allotment plot at Benwell Lane, Newcastle, it became evident that green spaces like these play a vital role in enhancing physical and mental well-being, fostering friendships, and strengthening local communities. Cultivating an allotment can be a transformative experience, and the joy of growing one’s food and connecting with nature is truly unparalleled.
The Ngage Community Allotment Sensory Garden:
The Allotment Plot Competition offers an array of award classes to accommodate the diversity of Newcastle’s allotment holders and committees. From the Best Quarter Plot to the Most Improved Site, there’s a category for everyone to showcase their skills and dedication.
Ngage NE Ltd and New Beginnings NE Ltd were particularly excited to enter their community allotment sensory garden in the Best Group Plot/Community Project class. The deadline for submissions was on Friday, June 30, and Amanda Beadling, Personalisation & Well-Being Manager for New Beginnings entered their wonderfully unique green space into the competition.
Amanda stated, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for all the allotment enthusiasts we support to demonstrate their green thumbs and to show how their sensory garden continues to make a positive impact on their daily lives”.
The Ngage Community Allotment Sensory Garden boasts a beautiful archway trellis, a flower telephone, a wishing well, a bamboo xylophone, gigantic kerplunk, a solar powered water fountain and a variety of sensory plants such as the wonderfully soft Lambs Ear and dusty white Angel Wing.
Judging and Criteria:
The judging process for the Allotment Plot Competition tries to be as thorough and fair as possible. A panel of expert judges assesses each entry based on criteria such as:
- Recycling efforts,
- Maintenance,
- Attractive features, and
- The quality of plants
Moreover, each award class is evaluated against specific criteria, ensuring that every contender has a fair chance to shine. A downloadable copy of the scoring criteria is available for interested participants to review and better understand how their entries will be assessed.
Building a Sense of Community:
The collaboration between Ngage and New Beginnings in creating their community allotment sensory garden embodies the spirit of togetherness and collaboration. These organisations recognise the potential of urban green spaces to combat social isolation, foster community spirit and create a safe social space that’s accessible to everyone. By working hand in hand, they have not only transformed a patch of land into a vibrant and interactive sensory garden but also forged lasting bonds among their volunteers, staff and the people they support.
Conclusion:
As the countdown to the Allotment Plot Competition begins, the excitement in Newcastle’s allotment community is palpable. Ngage and New Beginnings, along with many other participants, are poised to impress the judges with their community allotment sensory garden.
The Ngage Community Allotment Sensory Garden is located in Walker and will be judged on Wednesday 12th July at 1pm during one of their allotment gatherings. Their will be giant bubble making, pebble painting, gooseberry picking and lots more happening to impress the judges.
See how we built our Allotment Sensory Garden on a shoestring budget.
The competition represents more than just a chance for recognition; it celebrates the power of allotments to enhance well-being, cultivate friendships, and strengthen communities. So, whether you’re a seasoned allotment holder or a newcomer, seize this opportunity to sow, grow, and show the world the beauty and benefits of urban green spaces. Good luck to all the entrants, and may the spirit of community and nature continue to thrive in Newcastle!
See what happened when the Lord Mayor of Newcastle opened our new Allotment Sensory Garden.
“We Only Gone and Won It!”
Urban Green Newcastle announced this years winners!
We are thrilled to announce that the Ngage Community Allotment has emerged as the undisputed champion, clinching the first-place title in the prestigious Best Community Plot category at the esteemed Newcastle Allotments and Garden Show 2023! The judges were deeply impressed by the remarkable dedication and collective effort exhibited by the Ngage team, as they transformed this allotment into a flourishing haven that not only cultivates nourishing produce but also serves as a serene and therapeutic sanctuary for all. Their commitment to fostering community engagement and their innovative creation of the lavender biscuit factory exemplify their ‘welly to belly’ ethos. Heartfelt congratulations to every individual who contributes to making the Ngage Community Allotment an exceptional and cherished space. This victory is a testament to your passion and unwavering spirit.
We will be collecting our award between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday 16th of September in Leazes Park at the Newcastle Allotment & Garden show 2023. You can also find our stall in amongst the food stalls, live music and fair rides between 11am and 4pm. Come find us and say hello 👋🌳🌻🍄
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