Southyby's allotment open day cancelled today

A report by Southby’s allotment committee said that “the sun has come just too late for the allotmenteers and their normally bountiful produce”, the sale of which provides the main attraction, and the main source of funds, at the annual event.
A raffle and tombola, sales of homemade produce, children’s games and a barbeque were scheduled for the event, due to take place today (Saturday) at the Greenham Road allotments, to raise money for Spring Charity Fundraisers.
On previous years, the open day has sold out of produce, last year raising over £500 for the charity, which assists with the costs of specialised equipment for disabled children in Newbury.
Webmaster for the association, Chris Ede said: “The idea of the open day is to show the joy and benefits of allotment gardening and having your own grown fruit and vegetables.
“Unfortunately this years weather has not been kind. We have suffered poor germination and very poor growth due to the lack of any useful heat and altogether too much rain so there will not be the produce to make the event viable.
“The weather has also kept a lot of the plot holders away so the site is not at its best this year.”
The chairman of the association, Chris Lawrence, added: “The main thing is we have produce there for people to come and buy. Locally grown, organic, no air miles, no packaging.”
Mr Ede concluded: “After the disappointment of taking the decision to cancel the Open Day, the committee immediately voted to make a donation out of Association funds to the Spring Charity Fundraisers so that they can continue their excellent work.”