Accomplished gardeners, enthusiastic litter-pickers, schools, pubs and care homes were among the recipients of the Farnham In Bloom Community Awards. Many of them attended the awards evening which took place at Squire’s Garden Centre, Farnham on 6 October.
This year’s awards, supported by Farnham in Bloom Principal sponsor, The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd, incorporated the awards for schools too, highlighting the value of Farnham in Bloom to local children.
Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker, led the welcome and thanked the volunteers and many gardeners who make Farnham in Bloom so beneficial to the local area. He said: “These awards are all about people as well as flowers and without you, we would not be able to achieve this success.”
Hale Community Centre received the prestigious Madge Green Community Award, named after one of the original Farnham In Bloom volunteers. Hale Community Centre was chosen for its delightful community garden as well as the community fridge and food cupboard, and its ‘ready to eat’ supply of produce offered in its vegetable plots.
Farnham Heath End School won the Mayor’s Special Award for creating a garden in a former pond.
Farnham in Bloom would not be the success it is without the diligence of the teams of litter pickers who keep the town and villages tidy. This year’s Bloomin’ Litter Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Brian Drew and his grandson Sebastian Fox. Sebastian encouraged his grandfather to join him on litter picks during lockdown, keeping Brian active and ensuring Badshot Lea was looking its best for the judges.
The Queen’s Head won the gold award for best pub garden with The Lamb and the Six Bells taking silver and bronze respectively. Bourne Wood Manor won gold for the best care home garden and the garden at Wey Valley House was also commended.
There were awards for gardeners looking after plots of all sizes, from containers and hanging baskets through to courtyard gardens and large gardens. Allotment holders have their own dedicated category, with a winning plot commended for each of Farnham’s eight allotment sites.
Local schools received awards for their hanging baskets, school gardens, sunflowers and pumpkins. St Andrew’s Infant School and Badshot Lea Infant School also received certificates of excellence from judges in the South and South East In Bloom competition.
Nine community groups, including Badshot Lea Bloomers and Bourne Beautification Project, received certificates of excellence from South and South East in Bloom for their vital contributions to the community and the local environment via Farnham In Bloom.
As well as thanking the many in-kind and financial sponsors, headed by The Patio Black Spot Removal Company and Squire’s Garden Centre, who generously hosted the awards, the Mayor reflected on the achievements of Farnham in Bloom 2021 in the national competition which saw the town win gold in two categories and golds also for Badshot Lea Cemetery and West Street Cemetery.
