Farnham in Bloom Community Group shunned the wintery weather and chilly temperatures to celebrate a magnificent year in the South and South East in Bloom competition at their Winter Celebration on Sunday 16 December.

Councillor Stephen Hill, Lead Member for Farnham in Bloom says: “Even in the depths of winter, Farnham in Bloom is very much on the minds of our volunteers and organisers. Having this get together gives us the chance to look back on not only a very successful year in terms of prizes but also a great year of community spirit. We are always looking for more volunteers and new sections of the community to get involved so our Winter Celebration was an ideal time to show people what Farnham in Bloom is all about. The celebration also marked the final event to be sponsored by Specsavers in Farnham. They have supported Farnham in Bloom for two years and we are very grateful to them for all they have done.”

Throughout the celebration, 60 gardening enthusiasts, local residents and business representatives joined staff and volunteers from Farnham Town Council and the Farnham in Bloom Community Group in the Vineyard Church for the celebration. Achievements in 2018 included 14 awards, among them four gold awards and three category wins. Guests tucked into mince pies and mulled wine while they chatted about the town’s most successful In Bloom year to date and developed their plans for 2019.

The celebration took place to the sounds of Farnham Brass Band performing festive favourites with guests singing along to several well-known Christmas classics.

There was also an opportunity for some Christmas shopping as pots of hyacinths planted by children at the Bloomin’ Kids gardening workshops were on sale. The workshops took place during the autumn half term and are one of the many events and activities happening throughout the year to get gardeners of all ages and abilities involved in Farnham in Bloom.