There was a buzz of excitement at Forest Lodge Garden Centre as gardening enthusiasts, volunteers, local councillors and businesses launched Farnham in Bloom 2018 on Thursday (26 April). Guests enjoyed canapés and drinks at the Forest Lodge restaurant while swapping ideas for planting schemes and community activities.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Carole Cockburn welcomed this year’s guests, corporate sponsor Specsavers Farnham and representatives from the many local businesses which support the project either through direct sponsorship, sponsorship in kind or by providing volunteers to carry out gardening and litter picking. So far over 30 local businesses, individuals and organisations are sponsoring the project.
Iain Lynch, Town Clerk at Farnham Town Council says: “We are delighted to have Specsavers Farnham on board as our corporate sponsor for the second year running. Over the years, Farnham in Bloom has gone from strength to strength and we have won many highly sought after awards. I put this success down to the support we receive from our sponsors and the commitment and dedication of the hundreds of gardening volunteers who work so hard throughout the year.”
Lateef Iqbal from Specsavers Farnham says: “We are excited to be supporting Farnham in Bloom in 2018. The initiative brings so much to the town, both to local businesses and to residents and shoppers. We’re looking forward to having our senses stimulated with the colour and aromas from this summer’s planting schemes.”
Among other key sponsors already signed up to support Farnham in Bloom are the Patio Black Spot Removal Company, Squire’s Garden Centre, The Farnham Institute Charity, Wild Flower Turf Ltd, launch hosts Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Cathcart and Winn, Net Technical Solutions and Glendale.
Much of the practical work involved in Farnham in Bloom is carried out by volunteers, community groups and schools and is co-ordinated by the Farnham in Bloom Community Group and Farnham Town Council.
The launch gave organisers the chance to discuss some of the activities planned for the coming months as well as aspirations for winning prizes in South and South East in Bloom. They also heard the all important judging dates, which have been confirmed for Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 July. Judges will inspect the planting and take a tour around various community projects, which encompass Farnham town centre and surrounding villages.
