Farnham has once again flourished in the annual South & South East in Bloom competition, securing multiple top awards across various categories. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those who make up the Farnham in Bloom team and who volunteer their time and work tirelessly to ensure the town is a vibrant and beautiful place to live and visit.
At this year’s awards, Farnham received the coveted Gold & was overall winner in the Town/City Centre category, a reflection of its beautifully maintained public spaces, vibrant floral displays, and sustainable gardening practices.
Gostrey Meadow which is a focal point for community events and a treasured town centre open space was also awarded Gold & overall winner in the Small Park category.
In the Small Cemetery/Crematorium category, both Hale Cemetery and Badshot Lea Cemetery were recognised, with Hale Cemetery securing Gold, and Badshot Lea Cemetery taking home the Gold & overall winner title. These awards highlight the respect and care that Farnham places on preserving its cemeteries and ensuring they are rich in biodiversity as well as calm and tranquil places to visit.
West Street Cemetery, which is Farnham’s largest burial space competed in the Large Cemetery/Crematorium category, and was honoured with a Gold award, marking its distinction as a well-maintained public space.
Commenting on the awards, Councillor Mat Brown, Lead Member for Environment said, “We are incredibly proud of these achievements. The South & South East in Bloom awards are highly competitive, and receiving these prestigious accolades demonstrates the dedication of our community, volunteers, and council staff to making Farnham a welcoming, green, and sustainable town. These spaces are important to the quality of life in Farnham, and we are thrilled to see them recognised at such a high level.
“I would like to thank all our sponsors and in particular our 2024 Gold sponsors for helping us to achieve Gold. They are The Patio Blackspot Removal Company, BBS Ltd and Squire’s Garden Centre. My heartfelt thanks also go to all the volunteers, local businesses, community groups, and residents who contributed to these remarkable accomplishments. The town’s continued success in South & South East in Bloom is a collective effort, and one which hundreds of people from the community have played a part.”
In addition to Farnham in Bloom’s success, six independent community projects also caught the eye of the judges. In the ‘Our Community’ category, space2grow won Silver Gilt and in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards, there was a hat trick of Outstanding awards for Badshot Lea Bloomers, Farnham Community Rail Volunteers and Bourne Conservation. Hale Community Centre was recognised as Thriving and the Bourne Beautification Project as Advancing.
These community awards are a reflection of Farnham’s amazing community spirit, environmental stewardship, and pride in creating a beautiful place to live.
For more information about Farnham in Bloom and how to get involved, please visit www.farnham.gov.uk/bloom.
