Judges received a warm welcome on Tuesday when they arrived for the judging of Farnham’s entry into the Large Town category of South and South East in Bloom.

The judges were taken on a tour of Farnham which included many projects that demonstrate how horticulture has a positive impact on both the environment and people’s wellbeing. 

The carefully choreographed route began in the town centre and included a walk through Gostrey Meadow, a look at the new railings outside the Farnham Maltings and a prize-winning courtyard garden off Downing Street. 

This was followed by an extended visit to space2grow which is an area of land in the heart of the town centre for people of all ages to improve their mental health and wellbeing. The judges were then taken to West Street cemetery where they met volunteers from Bishop’s Meadow and saw behind the scenes at the town’s greenhouses and West Street allotments. 

After completing their tour of the town centre, the judges boarded a hoppa bus and were taken to meet volunteers at the Middle Bourne Garden and Bourne Beautification project before making a stop at the Ridgeway Community School. 

The 3.5 hour tour concluded in the town centre where the judges met volunteers from the Farnham Community Farm and Victoria Garden. 

Over lunch the judges were able to spend more time talking with people they had met on their tour.  

Speaking at the reception, Councillor Pat Evans, Mayor of Farnham thanked the judges and said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in Farnham in Bloom from our wonderful volunteers, Farnham in Bloom community group, staff, councillors and outside services team to our community partners such as Glendale and Waverley Borough Council. I would also like to thank our generous sponsors and to give special thanks to The Farnham Institute Charity for being the Principal Sponsor of Farnham in Bloom. 

“It’s wonderful to see so many people at today’s thank you lunch as each and every one of you has played a part in making Farnham Bloom.”

Judge Hazel Chant responded by saying how she had been born in Farnham and that it had been a pleasure to come back. She described how she and fellow judge Shawn Spence had thoroughly enjoyed their visit. 

The judging of Farnham’s entry into the Town Centre category is on Wednesday 10 July and Britain in Bloom is on 31 July. 

Farnham in Bloom is sponsored by Principal sponsor– The Farnham Institute Charity, Gold sponsors – Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Graduate Landscapes, Squire’s Garden Centre and The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd and Silver sponsors – BBS Ltd, Bourne Wood Manor Care Home, Glendale, Net Technical Solutions and Wild Flower Turf Ltd.

Caption: The Mayor of Farnham, Town Council staff and judges from South and South East in Bloom with volunteers from space2grow and children from St Andrew’s School.