09 November 2012
Wigan and Leigh’s king of the allotment has been crowned for the fifth year in a row!
Green fingered Les Hawkins was awarded the James Prescott Trophy for the best kept allotment on Tuesday 6 November and it marks him out as the borough’s top grower for five years straight.
The 71-year-old took up the hobby nine years ago after beating bowel cancer.
Nationally it’s been a tough year for both professional and amateur growers. The wettest April to June on record has meant poor harvests and increases in prices at the supermarket.
Les, who lives near his allotment on Hope Carr Lane, Leigh said: “It’s a brilliant feeling, I can’t believe I’ve won it for the fifth year.
“It’s not been easy with the weather, in fact it’s been terrible.
“My crops are about half what they were last year and I don’t know anyone who’s had a good year. It’s been a tough growing year but as always it’s still been hugely enjoyable.”
Judges from Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, who manage the borough’s allotments, picked out Les’s patch ahead of the other 325 plots in recognition of its general layout, condition and the variety of produce grown.
Presenting the trophy, Cllr Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure said: “Les’s plot is immaculate and a testimony to his hard work and endeavor. Growing your own isn’t just a fantastic way of bringing down the cost of your shopping bill it’s also a great exercise and because there’s hardly any food miles involved it reduces your carbon footprint.”
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.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Parks Activity Co-ordinator Michael Fishwick was one of the judges.
He said: “Les has proved once again that, despite one of the wettest seasons in history he is truly King of the Crop!
“Les has consistently demonstrated innovative growing methods, excellent plot husbandry and the necessary skill to produce a broad range of fruit and vegetables.
“Competition from other tenants was strong this year, however Les held off the opposition to quite rightly retain his crown.”
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