Thanks given to Farnham’s bloomin’ marvellous volunteers

Farnham Town Council has hosted two special awards ceremonies to recognise and thank the army of volunteers behind the town’s award-winning performance at this year’s South & South East in Bloom.

The first ceremony celebrated the contribution of local schools. Pupils and their teachers gathered at Squire’s Garden Centre to hear the results of competitions which included the best school garden, tallest sunflower, best hanging basket, biggest pumpkin, flower in a boot and a green champions award.

Addressing the children, the Deputy Mayor of Farnham Councillor George Murray said: “It has been wonderful to see so many schools taking part in Farnham in Bloom, whether that be making hanging baskets at school, growing sunflowers and pumpkins or getting the school garden ready for judging.”

He said: “The success of Farnham in Bloom would not be what it is today without the wonderful support from our local schools. I would like to give a big thank you to the teachers and volunteers who guide the pupils and share their knowledge to inspire our gardeners of the future.”

In the evening, it was the turn of the adults to receive thanks for all they did to help Farnham win five gold awards and three best in category in this year’s competition.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from host and Gold sponsor, Sarah Squire who has been a long-time supporter of Farnham in Bloom.

Allotment holders were the first to receive recognition. Eight best allotment plot awards were handed out – one for each of Farnham Town Council’s eight allotments, plus four best newcomer awards and special cups for the dahlia challenge and the best of the best.

Next to receive awards were the creators of Farnham’s secret gardens. Nearly 30 prizes were presented for categories such as best: hanging basket, garden, courtyard, care home, bee friendly border and pub.

Special awards were presented to individuals that have made an exceptional contribution to Farnham in Bloom. These included Gardener of the Year to Jerry and Ena Goolding, Bloomin’ Litter Volunteer of the Year to Mark Whitmore and the Mayor’s Special Award to Badshot Lea School headteacher, Gemma Ball which was presented in front of pupils at the schools’ awards.

The Deputy Mayor of Farnham said: “We have seen lots of exciting new projects this year including flower inspired planters created at Farnham Pottery, an art and sound installation which came from a collaboration between Weydon School and UCA, a wildlife area in Gostrey Meadow plus a Hollywood inspired bug hotel by Green Up Britain.

“Each year, more and more people become part of Farnham in Bloom and each year it grows bigger and stronger. It is great to see such enthusiasm for the project and it is thanks to our sponsors who include Gold sponsors BBS Ltd, The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd, Squire’s Garden Centre and the Wildflower Turf Company that we are able to take on new initiatives and expand the reach of this truly inclusive community project.”

Plans are already underway for Farnham in Bloom 2025. If you would like to get involved with helping to plant 45,000 plug plants, weeding beds or supporting a litter pick, Farnham Town Council would love to hear from you. You can find out more about the opportunities and the positive impact of Farnham in Bloom by watching a short film about the 2024 campaign at www.farnham.gov.uk.

Results in full

Farnham in Bloom Schools’ Awards

Best School Garden

Commended Highfield South Farnham School

Highly Commended Folly Hill Infant School and St Polycarp’s Catholic Primary School

Bronze Award St Andrew’s C of E Infant School

Silver Award Potters Gate C of E Primary School

Gold Award Badshot Lea Village Infant School

Best Hanging Basket

Commended Highfield South Farnham School

Highly Commended William Cobbett Primary School, Folly Hill Infant School, Potters Gate C of E Primary School and Edgeborough School

Bronze Award St Polycarp’s Catholic Primary School

Silver Award St Andrew’s C of E Infant School

Gold Award Badshot Lea Village Infant School

Tallest Sunflower

Highly Commended Edgeborough School

Bronze Award St Polycarp’s Catholic Primary School