Farnham in Bloom School awards
Having won Gold and Best in Category for its Large Town entry and Gold and Best in Category for the Town Centre entry along with the accolade of Best in County, Farnham Town Council wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ to everybody who contributed towards the magnificent result.
The event began with a celebration of the efforts of the next generation of gardeners. Farnham in Bloom 2016 has been very well supported by the school community with 17 local schools and nurseries planting hanging baskets and others taking part in the Secret Gardens of Farnham competition. Around 60 children were present at the schools’ presentation.
Later in the evening, over 90 people attended the community presentation, which was hosted by gold sponsor Squire’s Garden Centre. The Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Mr John Ward and representatives from the main sponsoring businesses including corporate sponsor Bob Frost from BBS Ltd supplier of Magimix products, awarded prizes to winners of the Secret Gardens of Farnham competition and the allotments competition.
The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor John Ward presented the awards and said: “Hundreds of children from nearly 20 schools and nurseries got involved in this year’s campaign making it one of the best supported yet. We have received some really positive feedback about the children’s enthusiasm for learning outside and improving their environment.”
“Alongside the community involvement we also have the support of around 70 sponsors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their generosity – without them it would not be possible for Farnham in Bloom to be quite so successful.”
She adds: “During our anniversary year we should also take time to remember how Farnham in Bloom came about. It is thanks to local businessman Ken Kent who was the 1990 Chairman of the Farnham Visitors’ Council, that our town looks so stunning each year. He had a vision to make Farnham a beautiful place for all by bringing flowers into the town, which he has certainly achieved. Although Ken was unable to attend the evening, it was an honour to recognise his contribution by awarding him with the Mayor’s Special Award.”
To round off the evening, guests were served canapés provided by Squire’s Garden Centre and the Mayor of Farnham cut a celebratory Farnham in Bloom cake made by Jo Turner Cakes.
Photos of the presentations can be viewed on the Farnham Town Council Facebook page.
The winners of awards are:
Schools’ awards
The Mayor of Farnham Cllr Mrs Pat Frost, Cllr Stephen Hill Lead Member for Farnham in Bloom and Sarah Squire from Squire’s Garden Centre presented awards to winners of the schools’ competitions.
- Hanging basket competition – St Andrew’s Infant School
- The Secret Gardens of Farnham competition Best School Garden – St Peter’s Primary School
- Certificates of Excellence were awarded to St Andrew’s Infant School and Potters Gate Primary School.
Community awards
The Deputy Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Mr Mike Hodge and Sarah Squire from Squire’s Garden Centre presented awards to winners of the allotment competition.
- Best Overall plot – Brian & Sue McDermott Page
- Best Newcomer award – Theresa Mead
- Both sets of winners have allotments at the Wrecclesham site.
In the Secret Gardens of Farnham competition, The Deputy Mayor of Farnham, corporate sponsor Bob Frost, sponsors Charles Wisden from Forest Lodge and Sarah Squire from Squire’s Garden Centre awarded prizes to:
- John Durham for the best courtyard – sponsored by Patio Blackspot Removal Company
- NFarnham WI – Bake, Natter & Roll for the best hanging basket/container sponsored by Forest Lodge Garden Centre
- The Albion Tavern for the best public house/hotel sponsored by Forest Lodge Garden Centre
- Penny Drew for the best large garden sponsored by Forest Lodge Garden Centre
- Donald Larby for the best front, back or small garden sponsored by Squire’s Garden Centre
- Classical Floral Designs, Borelli Yard for the best shop front sponsored by Squire’s Garden Centre
- The gardener of the year award went to Donald Larby.
Certificates of excellence
Corporate sponsor Bob Frost presented certificates of excellence to:
- The Dance Movement, Blooming Art -Jo Aylwin, Bourne Conservation Group, The Victoria Garden, the Bourne Beautification Project, Post 19, The Farnham in Bloom Community Group, Farnham Rivers Group, Heath End Gardeners and The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association.
Sponsors
The main sponsors of Farnham in Bloom 2016 are:
Corporate Sponsor
BBS Ltd
Gold sponsors
Farnham Institute Charity
The Patio Black Spot Removal Company
Gold sponsors in kind
Squire’s Garden Centre
Forest Lodge Garden Centre
Graduate Landscapes
