Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Achievement and Togetherness

March – June

We would like to take stock and give you a short update since the launch of our website in March 2025.  Although, we experienced huge challenges with the prolonged drought for our crops from April to the end of Summer, thankfully with all the rainfalls since August/September until now, all our water containers are now full and we are looking forward to 2026 with hope and excitement.

On 8th May, we were honoured with Tamworth Borough Council nominating Etheline Deer and Dawn Candy of Number 8, Tamworth to represent the Town at the VE DAY 80: A Celebration to Remember at Horse Guards Parade London. We both had an amazing and memorable evening.

That was not all the exciting activities we had in store for us! We were happy to host our Eden Project Communities Big Lunch on 7th June. Here are some wonderful images from the big day taken by one of our fabulous volunteers. There are many more to view over on our Facebook page.

On the 9th June – Mrs Helen Betts, Judge of RHS Heart of England/It’s Your Neighbourhood 2025 assessed the Project. In attendance too, was Tamworth Mayor Cllr Chris Bain who kindly planted a Prunus Nipponica ‘Ruby’ (Flowering Cherry) tree to mark our 10th Anniversary.

11th June – Support Staffordshire presented us with a Certificate of Recognition in recognition of our valued contribution as volunteers in Staffordshire.

July

Glascote Community Library Reading Challenge entitled ‘Grow your Story Garden’

On 22nd Jul, young readers and gardeners from Glascote Community Library visited to seed sowing, enjoyed a sensory tour and for the first time potato harvesting.  

August

National Allotment Week –Themed: ‘Allotment and Wellbeing’ on 12th August, hosted a Family event, bringing the community and sharing the bounty of Summer over lunch and sensory tours. August 2025 National Allotment Family Day

On 18th August, we sadly lost, Bob Bayley a dear, dear friend and generous volunteer.

Glascote Community Library Summer Reading Challenge/Butterfly Project 2025. On 25th July – Young readers and staff of Glascote Community Library – hosted storytelling sessions/sensory sessions and then on 13th August a large group visited for more reading and to release two beautiful (Painted Lady) butterflies that hatched successfully over the Summer.

September

Volunteers generally tidied the space – lots of pruning, clipped green edges and the wildlife meadow.

October

At the Three Counties Showground, in Malvern on 21st October, at the RHS Heart of England/It’s Your Neighbourhood 2025 Awards Ceremony, we were honoured for the third time with a Level 5 – ‘Outstanding’ Award! But that’s not all! Our very own, Etheline Deer received a Special Trophy of ‘Outstanding Achievement’ from the RHS Heart of England. We are thrilled to receive these two phenomenal Awards and recognition bestowed to us all, we scored 100 out of a possible 100 points!

On the 25th October we hosted our Family AutumnFest 2025 and the opportunity to show the RHS’s Awards, here are some fantastic photos from the event. Awards 25th October 2025

An eventful day bringing the community together over FREE barbequed sausages and crispy onions plus hot and cold refreshments.  The children with Moms, Dads and Grandparents thoroughly enjoyed the Pumpkin craving.   One Mom commented on Facebook … ‘Wonderful morning with you! Beautiful produce, fun pumpkin carving and took away lots of lovely treats.  Thank you and so lovely and lucky to have you in our community!  Well done on your RHS awards too! Fully deserved.’

The Raffle Prizes were donated by Tamworth Coop, McDonalds Wilnecote, Morrisons Wilnecote, Planters Tamworth and KFC Wilnecote. Huge thanks to you all!

In Memory of Bob Bayley

Sadly, this year we lost our dear friend Bob Bayley. Bob passed away on 18th August. Bob was a wonderful friend and whatever the weather he was there, come rain or shine he was always on hand and happy to help.

His passing is a tremendous loss for us all and he will be dearly missed. His wonderful wife, Denise and family attended and very kindly presented us with two generous donations plus assorted seeds for 2026, which is a testament to the love and the esteem Bob placed on the Project. 

 We will put these donations to good use and keep our dear friend/Samaritan in our memories always.  Corey Riley has built a raised bed and we have planted the bed up with a David Austin Climbing Rose – ‘The Generous Gardener’ and assorted wild seeds in Tribute.

December

On Tuesday 16th December from 10am to 12pm, we started the first of 4 sessions of our Rusty Bucket Reboot: Upcycling for Health, funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Tamworth Borough Council Grant Scheme. During this first session, we held a Glass Painting Workshop. This activity was designed to highlight Upcycling used-glassware by utilising what we have to make something new – and to have fun!

The sessions are all FREE OF CHARGE to attend, once a month until March 2026.  No experience or tools are needed, just bring yourself and please come prepared with suitable warm clothing and sturdy footwear.

Here’s a wonderful video, as part of the Feedback Report which was captured by the brilliant Mr Peter Freeth of Genius Photography: Rusty Bucket Reboot Evaluation Video

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR BREAK

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY!

The Allotment and Garden will be closed from Sunday, 21st December and will reopen on Sunday 11th January 2026. 

January 2026

Sunday, 11th January 2026 at 10:00am to 12pm – General Gardening and seed sowing

Tuesday, 20th January 2026 10am to 12pm – Second Session of Glass Painting Workshop

Sunday, 25th January 2026 at 11am – RSPB Garden Birdwatch- Community Engagement Event – All ages are welcome.

February 2026

Tuesday, 10th February 2026 10am to 12noon –Third Session, Activities to be confirmed

March 2026

Tuesday, 17th March 2026 10am to 12noon – Fourth Session, Activities to be confirmed.

Would you like to get involved?

If you wish to join us to volunteer, donate or get involved as part of your Corporate Responsibility, you can get in touch with us via our email address, our Facebook page, or by simply clicking the ‘Get in Touch’ button below. Weekly updates are posted on our Facebook page so please follow and share.

Email: tamworthbcag@gmail.com
Facebook: Belgrave Community Allotment and Garden