Awards ceremony for Horsham gardeners

Horsham in Bloom provided them with a special afternoon tea, cheques and certificates as their reward. They all deserved a huge pat on the back. The announcements were slightly different this year in that each category of entrants did not know the result until announced by Jean Griffin of the gardening programmes on BBC Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

Sue Brundish, Chairman of Horsham in Bloom, warmly thanked all those who had taken part in the various competitions and welcomed award winners who were attending for the first time.

Councillor Turner did a grand job when presenting the cheques and cups to the winners and the commendations to first time entrants.

Dr Simon Dean spoke on the benefits of gardening for health and well being. A concept which we are sure is particularly understood by members of the allotment societies, gardeners, Green Gym and Friends of different conservation groups. The categories of the competition are sponsored by Horsham in Bloom, Hillier Garden Centre, North Horsham, Denne, Forest and Trafalgar Parish Councils.

n Neighbourhood/Parish Council Cups : Trafalgar - Mrs M. Moden, Denne - Mrs J. Boulter, Forest - Friends of Chesworth Farm, North Horsham - Mr N. Simmonds

n Best Kept Allotment: Bronze - Ian Penfold, Silver - David Davies, Gold - Rob Atfield. Thanks go to North Horsham Parish Council for their generous sponsorship of this competition.

n Best Community project: Silver - Age UK Horsham District, Gold - Earles Meadow. Conservation Group

n Front Garden Competition: Bronze - Mr L. Holman, Silver - Mrs A. Bathie, Gold - Mrs M. Humphery

n Best Hanging Basket/Container: Bronze - Mr D. Parker, Silver - Mrs J.Morris, Gold - Mrs L. Taylor

This year two special Chairman’s Awards were presented to La Source and The Black Jug for their excellent floral displays outside their premises and for their support over several years.

Thanks were extended to all who had given their time to assist in the judging and to the committee for their consistent and overall support and to Jean Griffin in particular for organising this year’scompetitions. Thanks were also expressed to committee member Brian Keating for attending all the judging sessions and for taking excellent photographs. It is hoped that all the entrants will be happy to participate again next year.

Horsham In Bloom is a charity which is run entirely by volunteers. We are looking for people to help run various events; to promote the In Bloom message and to help influence the greening of the town and surrounding environment. Please contact Sue Brundish, [email protected] if you would like to join us or visitwww.horshaminbloom.org.uk/competitions for pictures of the winning entries.

Report and picture contributed by Horsham In Bloom.