As we were not able to organise a visit to Ball and Colegrave this year, I am sharing this information about spaces on the trip with another local group, for anyone who might be interested.

Some spaces are available with the West Bridgford & Rushcliffe Horticultural Society and they have a number of seats available on the coach to the Ball & Colegrave Trial Grounds just to the south of Banbury on the afternoon of Wednesday July 23rd. Any members of the Lowdham Horticultural Society (and friends) would be welcome to join us for the trip.

The details are: Ball & Colegrave grow flower plants and some greenhouse vegetable plants for the trade. They are all laid out in spectacular fashion for members of the trade to inspect and place orders for the next year. Once during the display period they open for 3 hours to the general public (i.e. us), the proceeds of the entrance fees going to local charities.

Date and time:  Wednesday July 23rd, leaving the Stamford Road, West Bridgford allotments at 2:00pm, return from the grounds at 7:00pm ( should be back in WB for about 8:45pm)

Stamford Road Allotments: (Post code NG2 6LS) are at the very eastern end of Stamford Road where it meets Rufford Way and adjacent to the Willow Tree pub, plenty of car parking space available inside the allotments.

Cost:   Coach trip £14.00 per adult, £7.00 per child under 12, plus £2.50 entrance payable at the gate. Pay on the coach.

Booking Contact Tony Rootham on 0115 914 2675, places available on a first come, first serve basis.

Refreshments:  Drinks (hot and cold) are available in the grounds but no food. There is plenty of seating both indoors and out. Last year most of us took a few sandwiches and had a very pleasant picnic around 5:30pm.