The hard work and dedication of the Farnham in Bloom community to make Farnham a better place, has been rewarded with 11 awards at the 2016 South and South East in Bloom presentation.
For the fifth consecutive year, Farnham has won Gold in the Large Town category and was crowned best large town in the South East for the fourth year running. For the sixth year in a row, Farnham has won Gold in the Town Centre category and was chosen as the best overall town centre in the South and South East. 2016 is the third year that Farnham has been double best in category.
There was further excitement when it was announced that Heath End Gardeners who were first time entrants, had won an It’s Your Neighbourhood Award for the wonderful job they have made of improving the green space adjacent to the parade of shops along the Farnborough Road. They have also contributed their time to other projects around the town such as the makeover of a very neglected flowerbed in East Street.
The Victoria Garden team is again celebrating double success. For the third time, they have won Outstanding for the It’s Your Neighbourhood Award. They have also won Gold for the fourth year running in the Small Parks Category. This tucked away community garden is enjoyed by so many and offers a tranquil space right in the heart of the town centre.
Gostrey Meadow, which is the focus for so many events arranged by Farnham Town Council also won Gold in the Small Parks Category.
As a first time entrant into the Small Cemetery of the Year category, Farnham Town Council was delighted to win Silver Gilt for Badshot Lea Cemetery. No golds were awarded this year, making Silver Gilt the highest award given. Badshot Lea Cemetery is owned and managed by the Town Council and over the past few years, bulbs have been planted and improvements have been made to the paths and visitor communication. By entering the award, Farnham Town Council wanted to benchmark the improvements it has made and pick up ideas for the future management of these important green spaces.
Farnham’s magnificent success received further recognition when Farnham in Bloom received the County Award for Surrey. This is the first time Farnham has won this award.
Finally, the awards drew to a close with the announcement that the Bishop’s Meadow had won the Chairman’s Award. This is the highest accolade that South and South East in Bloom could give and reflects the hard work that volunteers put into managing this important area of town centre biodiversity.
Speaking after the awards, Leader of the Council, Councillor Carole Cockburn said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled by the result. My thanks go to our Corporate Sponsor BBS Ltd and all our other sponsors too. I also offer my congratulations to all staff and volunteers concerned. What a result!”
Bob Frost from BBS Ltd, supplier of MagiMix products and Corporate Sponsor of Farnham in Bloom added: “I think the results are absolutely wonderful and are especially rewarding for all the people who have been part of making Farnham in Bloom happen – I am so delighted for them. At BBS Ltd, we are so pleased to be associated with such an excellent vision for the town.”
The result of Farnham’s entry into Britain in Bloom will be announced in October.
Winners of Farnham in Bloom 2016
