Farnham Town Council has hosted an awards ceremony to thank and give recognition to the hundreds of people who helped the town achieve its best year yet at South & South East in Bloom.
The first half of the awards was a celebration of the contribution made by local schools. Children from 11 schools gathered to hear who would be going home with awards that included the best school garden, biggest pumpkin, tallest sunflower and best hanging basket. Gold awards were presented to pupils from the following schools:
- Best School Garden – The Ridgeway School
- Best Hanging Basket – William Cobbett Primary School
- Tallest Sunflower – St Andrew’s C of E Infant School
- Biggest Pumpkin – Rowledge C of E School
- Bloomin’ Diversity – Badshot Lea Village Infant School
Children from Badshot Lea Village Infant School, Edgborough School, Potters Gate C of E Primary School, St Andrew’s C of E Infant School and St Polycarp’s Catholic Primary School won a new Green Fingers award and St Andrew’s and The Ridgeway received South and South East in Bloom certificates of excellence.
Later in the afternoon, it was the adults turn to receive their awards. Presentations began with prizes for the Secret Gardens competition. The winners were:
- Best front, back or small garden – Jacquie Heathcote
- Best hanging basket or container – Frank Rhodes
- Best courtyard – The Ivy Lane Club
- Best care home – Bourne Wood Manor
- Best public house – The Elm Tree and the Six Bells
Individual awards were presented to Dr Martin Angel (Biodiversity Champion), Yvonne Cleminson (Gardener of the Year), and Rita and Geoff Hollebon (Bloomin’ Litter Volunteers).
The Mayor’s Special Award went to John Martin for his enormous contribution to all things green in Badshot Lea which range from being an active member of Badshot Lea Bloomers to setting up the Badshot Lea Community Garden.
Prizes were presented to allotment holders who provide inspiration for what it is possible to achieve at Farnham Town Council’s eight allotment sites. In memory of one of the pioneers of Farnham in Bloom, the Madge Green Community Gardening Award was presented to Badshot Lea Community Garden.
Councillor Alan Earwaker, Mayor of Farnham said: “Every single person who has been recognised at the Farnham in Bloom Community Awards should feel very proud of their contribution to Farnham in Bloom. From planting showstopper hanging baskets and nurturing amazing sunflowers to keeping the streets free of litter and simply showing support by joining in – everybody has played a part and I thank you all.”
The Mayor also paid tribute to Farnham in Bloom’s sponsors who included The Patio Blackspot Removal Company Ltd, BBS Ltd, the Wildflower Turf Company and Squire’s Garden Centre who hosted the awards.
Plans are already underway for Farnham in Bloom 2024. If you would like to get involved and share in the success, email bloom@farnham.gov.uk to be kept informed about what is happening.
