These children played their part in helping Oxford allotment holders win a top national prize.

We revealed how the Rose Hill Allotments Association beat 11 other finalists from all over England to become the Garden Society of the Year (Memory Lane, September 16).

One reason they won the trophy was the encouragement they gave to schoolchildren to take up gardening.

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This picture shows nine-year-olds from Rose Hill Primary School at work with Ted Brewster, the association’s vice-president, in 1987.

As we recalled, the children helped the association beat 11 other finalists from all over England to take top spot in the competition.

The association was presented with a trophy, a £250 cheque and £250 worth of vouchers to spend on seeds and garden equipment.

It had 160 members who cultivated 200 plots off Lenthall Road, Rose Hill, and Thomson Terrace, Littlemore.

Mr Brewster, of Thames View Road, Rose Hill, described their success as “blooming marvellous”.

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He said: “It has taken a lot of really hard work for everyone, but it goes to show what you can achieve if you put some effort into it. It’s a great boost to Oxford. We grow everything - flowers, vegetables, strawberries and blackcurrants. It’s a real team effort.”

The judges, whose decision was unanimous, praised the association for its commitment to the community and for encouraging children to take part.

Oxford & District Federation of Allotment Associations (ODFAA) works to promote the existence of, the need for, and the benefits to be gained from allotment gardens in Oxford.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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