With gardening gloves at the ready, sponsors and supporters of Farnham in Bloom 2017 gathered at Forest Lodge Garden Centre to officially launch this year’s campaign.

The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor John Ward was joined by representatives from Corporate Sponsors Farnham Specsavers, staff and members of Farnham Town Council, volunteers from the Farnham in Bloom community group and other supporters of the project at the reception. Together, they shared ideas for this year’s Farnham In Bloom activities over drinks and canapés provided by the Forest Lodge cafe.

Iain Lynch, Farnham Town Council’s Town Clerk said: “We are honoured that Farnham has been invited for the second year running to take part in the prestigious Britain in Bloom as well as the South and South East in Bloom competition. For that reason, I’m especially grateful to have so many generous sponsors help us this year – competition will be tough but I know Farnham will rise to the challenge.”

He continued: “Joining Farnham Specsavers, we have the Patio Black Spot Removal Company and the Farnham Institute on board as Gold Sponsors, with additional support from Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Squire’s Garden Centre, Wild Flower Turf Ltd and Graduate Landscapes – all of whom are Gold Sponsors in kind. We are thankful to Silver Sponsor Net Technical Solutions and a further 70 local businesses and individuals who are all providing sponsorship or support in some way. We couldn’t produce the amazing results or put on the range of activities that we do without them.”

Lateef Iqbal, from Farnham Specsavers, said: “All of us at Farnham Specsavers are very excited that our branch is the Corporate Sponsor of this year’s Farnham In Bloom. In previous years, we’ve enjoyed seeing the town transform over the summer into a burst of colour and we’re thrilled to be heading up support of the campaign in 2017.”

Each summer, residents and visitors to Farnham and surrounding villages enjoy the gardens and green spaces, planters, troughs and hanging baskets that together make up the town’s entry to the South and South East in Bloom competition, and last year, the Britain in Bloom competition. Members of the Farnham in Bloom Community Group are already working with the Town Council and sponsors on this year’s activities, which will provide wider benefit to the local community as well as stunning displays.