ALFI organises and participates in regular events throughout the year. The dates of these events will be publicised in our newsletters, on the website, or on posters put up in various locations in Alton.

ALFI Seedy Saturday

Early in the year – usually February in the Methodist Church Hall – we hold a ‘seed swap’.

This is now a popular and well-supported event where local people bring seeds saved from their own garden or allotment, or purchased seeds that are surplus to requirement – vegetables or flowers – to swap for others.

We also welcome visits from people who don’t have seed to swap, but are able to swap some for a small donation, which helps us cover the cost of the event. National horticultural organisations supply us with heritage varieties for trial, experimentation and variety.

ALFI Seedling Swap

This has turned into the most lively event of our year, and is well established in the calendar. We are always well supported by Alton Town Council.

Each May we invite people to bring their excess seedlings and swap them for other, different seedlings. Maybe some seeds that have been grown with seeds obtained from Seedy Saturday. People are also invited to take away some of the seedlings for a donation.

Helpfully, there’s always someone from ALFI on hand with a bit of advice for the new grower, or to receive some from an old hand!

Check the website or the newsletter in the spring for details of our annual seedling swap.

ALFI Harvest Feast

We like to  celebrate the end of the growing season with a Harvest Feast in October.  We use our own, and other local produce, to make cakes, soup and bread for people to try for elevenses and lunch. Some of the recipes are in our recipe collection.

Social Events

We hold an AGM in July which is followed by drinks and food to which all our volunteers are invited. We also hold a Christmas Social for all volunteers and members of other organisations who have worked with ALFI during the year. These events are usually held in the Railway Arms.