The Farnham in Bloom community is celebrating the achievement of silver gilt at the 50th Britain in Bloom final awards.
Farnham was invited to represent the south east in the Large Town category and was one of just 71 finalists out of nearly 4,000 In Bloom groups.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Bristol and was received by the Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Jeremy Ricketts and John Ely, Chairman of the Community Group.
Speaking after the presentation, Cllr Ricketts said: “Farnham has won gold in the large town category of the regional awards four years running so we were immensely proud to be invited to enter this year’s Britain in Bloom. This was the first time that Farnham Town Council has entered Britain in Bloom and we were up against the best of the best. I was thrilled that we achieved silver gilt.
“Britain in Bloom is a chance to celebrate the work of dedicated volunteers across the UK. In Farnham, a total of 11,000 volunteer hours were donated to this year’s entry. It is fantastic to have recognised the hard work and commitment of our growing band of volunteers who help to make Farnham such a delightful place to live and visit.”
Britain in Bloom judges visited Farnham in July. They were taken on a tour of the area and met residents from the Bourne who have worked hard to enhance Bourne crossroads. They visited a project led by the Bourne Conservation Group to create a combined community garden and nature haven. This was followed by a visit to the West Street allotments and a chance to meet the Post-19 Group and the wildflower meadow planted by the Bishop’s Meadow Trust with funding from Farnham Town Council. Farnham’s entry was judged on environmental and horticultural achievement and community participation.
Commenting about Farnham’s entry, the RHS judges, Jon Wheatley and Darren Share said: “A golden welcome was waiting for us when we arrived in this busy town celebrating 50 years of Britain in Bloom. It was clear from the start the Farnham in Bloom team were committed to the cause and everyone we met along the tour showed a real passion to make Farnham a better place to live and work. As it was said in the starting presentation, ‘it’s about the people of Farnham’.
The overall winner of the Large Town category winner was Truro in Cornwall.
John Ely, Chairman of the Community Group and Cllr Jeremy Ricketts, Mayor of Farnham receive their award from Roger Burnett, Chairman of the RHS Britain in Bloom judging panel.
