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Ian ‘Digs In’ to Win Allotment Crown
Again
Photo Opportunity: The James Prescott Trophy will be presented at Lilford
Park allotments in Leigh at 10.30am on Tuesday 31st October. Contact
Chris Dunbar on 01942 486937.
Leigh’s allotment king, Ian Lythgoe, has emulated his 2005 success by
becoming the second-time winner of the prestigious James Prescott Trophy
for the best kept allotment in Wigan Borough.
Lilford digger Ian edged out other green-fingered experts, including
runner-up Harry Pendlebury of Hope Carr and John Brand (Tyldesley) and
Catherine Lea (Skew Bridge) who finished in joint third place.
Judges took into account the general condition of the plot, its layout
and tidiness, the variety of crops grown and their continuity. The
condition of any buildings or sheds associated with the allotment is
also taken into account.
Winner Ian, 59 and from Leigh, who spent years in the shadows of
ten-time winner Derrick Cocker, is more than pleased to pick up the
prestigious prize again, “The standard now is really high and it is a
tremendous feeling to have won once again. I am delighted to have
retained the trophy, especially given the huge strides made in other
areas of the borough.”
Ian continued, “We are all very dedicated and take great pride in our
plots no matter what level we are at. It is also quite competitive but
there’s a great deal of camaraderie amongst the allotment keepers. We
all share ideas and encourage one another, especially during spring and
summer when it can be non-stop. There is also a great health benefits -
I get to eat what I grow!”
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Dave Owen, who helped to judge the
competition, said, “All of this year’s entrants were particularly
pleasing, but Ian’s was outstanding. He has shown an amazing amount of
commitment to maintaining his allotment. Special mentions must also go
to Harry, John and Catherine whose sites were beautifully kept.”
Councillor Brian Baldwin, Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and
Culture, was on hand to present the winners with their prizes, “I am
very impressed to see Ian winning the prize again, he must be very
proud. Having a green and pleasant borough to live in has such a
positive impact on people’s lives. I would urge the borough’s keen
gardeners and allotment keepers to keep digging for the benefit of
everybody’s health and enjoyment.”
The James Prescott Trophy is named after a keen Leigh gardener who
donated the prize to Leigh Borough Council in 1956 to encourage more
people to look after their allotments.
For further information about the borough’s statutory allotments please
contact 01942 488550.
-ends-
NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this News Release please
contact Chris Dunbar, Public Relations Officer, Wigan Leisure and
Culture Trust on 01942 486937 or at
c.dunbar@wlct.org.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org.
Getting Wigan Active: Getting Wigan Active is Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust’s vision to ensure that people across the Wigan Borough have the
opportunity to become more physically, mentally and creatively active.
It also aims to increase community activity and to encourage good
citizenship.
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