This month BB gardeners started clearing the garden in the lower Almonry now that the contractors have completed work on the chimney (although the scaffolding is still to be removed).  BTC have contracted for the curved steps and the loggia roof to be repaired.  These areas are now cordoned off.  Plug plants will be arriving at Uckham Lane Nurseries soon and will be potted on for summer planting.
BB's Margaret Emeleus helped Battle's Brownies pot on plug plants for their @Grow Your Own' badge.

This very wet and stormy month has hampered gardening in Battle with little maintenance being carried out as the weather conditions, and the state of the ground, were unsuitable for gardening.  Despite that the polyanthus in the tubs and containers are in bloom and the tulips coming through.BB has been informed by Battle Town Council that further work is to be carried out in the Almonry Rear Garden involving repairs to the steps and the loggia roof. It is unlikely that BB will be able to carry out any garden restoration work in the first six months of 2024.

Beautiful Battle started 2024 at the 'New Year, New You' event held by the Battle Marketing Group at the Battle Memorial Hall. It was a well attended event and interest was shown by some attendees in possibly volunteering to work with BB gardeners. Elsewhere, BB is waiting for the completion of repairs to the Almonry Chimney so that BB gardeners can commence renovating the rear garden. Severe cold weather is hampering gardening this month.

The Almonry and Battle Town were awarded Gold in the South & South East in Bloom Competition 2023. The Judge wrote:
Battle is a delightful town with a strong sense of community. Community involvement is key to Battle's entry, without the support of volunteers and co-operation of various groups, Battle Town Council could not achieve as much as it does. 
The Almonry is a delightful garden in the centre of Battle and, what was evident in the garden, was the dedication of the team of volunteers and they should be commended for their hard work and dedication.