Summertime returned, with blue skies and warm sunshine making a welcome appearance ready for the last of the local summer events and shows, culminating with Nidderdale Show on Sunday 24 September and Masham Sheep Fair the following weekend.
At HADCA our small team enjoys taking part in some of these events and we were delighted to have a stand at the annual Harrogate and District Allotment Federation show in the Valley Gardens in August.
On a fine and still day we set up our trusty pull up banners and prepared our display alongside a variety of local charities and community groups including Open Country, Harrogate Civic Society, Ripon Museums Trust, Ripon in Bloom, Horticap, Harlow Men’s Shed and Harrogate in Bloom.
A certain World Cup Final meant the morning session was quieter than usual but things picked up in the afternoon and it was lovely to chat to locals and visitors about our services, as well as meeting other stallholders and traders. It's always a highlight to visit the competition displays in the Sun Pavilion and marvel over the dedication and skill of the flower and vegetable growers and bakers, and the creativity and fun of the children’s entries.
The Allotment Society had their own informative display which explained that as well as encouraging and celebrating growers and gardeners they also fundraise for local good causes. Over the past 10 years they have generously donated over £15,000 to 15 different charities, which is a fantastic achievement. Taking part in these community events is a great reminder of how vital they are, bringing people together to celebrate their skills and enjoy sharing their talents. It’s the same at our various agricultural shows such as the Great Yorkshire, Ripley and Nidderdale, with the Women’s Institute competitions, the produce and craft tents, the sheepdog trials, drystone walling competitions and of course the classes for livestock which are still at the heart of these special occasions.
These events bring people together and provide a sense of community and continuity from one year to the next, a welcome antidote to whatever is happening in the wider world that seems challenging and difficult. It takes a whole host of dedicated volunteers behind the scenes to grapple with insurance, risk assessments, paperwork and health and safety, as well as marketing and communications and fundraising. If you’ve ever been to one of these events and enjoyed yourself perhaps you could get involved and share your skills and talents to ensure they continue to be such a cherished part of our year?
