The results of months of hard work and continued support by volunteers and sponsors of Farnham in Bloom was on show and ready to be scrutinised when the Chairman and a trustee of South and South East in Bloom visited the town last week (Thursday 21 July).
Accompanied by the Mayor and Mayoress, representatives of the Farnham in Bloom community group and Farnham Town Council, the judges were taken on a horticultural tour of the town by Hoppa bus. It was a tour that included The Bourne Beautification Project, West Street Allotments, Bishop’s Meadow, Potters Gate and Castle Street. Having been met by the town crier at Castle Street, the judging party and their guides continued on foot to Borelli Yard, Central car park, Gostrey Meadow and South Street before finishing at Victoria Garden.
“It was an exhausting day for the judges but they enjoyed the tour and said it was a delight to revisit Farnham and see the huge community effort,” says Iain Lynch, Town Clerk at Farnham Town Council. “As always it is hard to pick a highlight but the children at Potters Gate School treated the judges to their home grown raspberries and strawberries and showed off their gardening knowledge and the beautiful floral projects they had created. As well as making sure the judges saw stunning visual displays throughout, the tour included a wide range of In Bloom projects from many different groups in our community.”
Among others, the judges met allotment holders, conservation volunteers, representatives from Waverley Borough Council and its contractors who help look after local green spaces plus members of Post 19, a community group for young people with learning difficulties.
Iain Lynch continues: “On behalf of Farnham Town Council and Farnham in Bloom we would like to thank the many, many volunteers and community groups who have helped make Farnham in Bloom a success. I would also like to thank all of our sponsors, and in particular our corporate sponsor BBS Ltd, for their help and support. We could not have taken part in the competition and put together such a fantastic entry without the financial support and support-in-kind that the sponsors provide.”
Volunteers worked right up to the last minute to make sure the town looked its best: AMYA UK, a Muslim young people’s organisation in Tilford, carried out another litter-pick just ahead of the visit by the judges.
Residents are invited to keep up the momentum a little longer as the judging of Farnham’s entry to Britain in Bloom takes place on Tuesday 2 August. On Saturday 30 July, a community litter pick will take place around the town centre between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Volunteers should meet at Farnham Town Council’s offices so they can be supplied with their litter-picking kit. Assistance with weeding along the judging route or helping with a last minute sprucing-up of the town would also be much appreciated. The judges visit will include The Bourne, Middle Bourne Lane Community Wildlife Garden, West Street allotments and Cemetery and Bishop’s Meadow.
The results of Farnham in Bloom will be announced in September.
Farnham in Bloom in sponsored by Corporate sponsor BBS Ltd
Gold sponsors: The Patio Black Spot Removal Company, Graduate Landscapes, Forest Lodge, Squires Garden Centre.
Silver sponsor: Bourne Valley Contractors.
