BRIGHTON AWARDS CEREMONY (from left to right): Tom Hart Dyke of Lullingstone Castle World garden creator who presented the awards along with Chris Collins (far right) celebrity gardener with Chris Hooker, Richard Nunn and Anthony Oliver
Not only did Wimborne scoop gold medal in the Small Town category for the second year running, but Redcotts Recreation Ground was entered for the first time in the Regional Park Competition and came away with a silver gilt award. There was also another a surprise in store for Richard Nunn, chairman of Wimborne in Bloom and the committee members Chris Hooker and Anthony Oliver who attended the South and South East in Bloom Regional prize-giving held at the Ammex Stadium, Brighton on Friday. It was announced towards the end of the afternoon that Wimborne in Bloom was one of only two groups to receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award. It differs from the other awards and can be given to an individual, a group, community or project that demonstrates efforts to promote horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility or community participation. Richard Nunn speaking after the presentation said, “To receive the Chairman’s Award is a great recognition of all the hard work of our committee members and volunteers, past and present, over the last 23 years and not forgetting the wonderful and generous support of our community for all our activities.”
Amongst the comments in the judges’ report was that once again Wimborne’s well-organised and well-managed entry was of an excellent standard. Highlights of the tour included the ever impressive town centre floral displays and the support given to the Wimborne in Bloom campaign by the Wimborne BID. The judges said that, “The very impressive wallwrap featuring scenes of the town at the Hanham Road underpass is a wonderful way to brighten up what can sometimes be thought of as an uninviting place.”
In the Regional Schools Competition, St John’s C of E First School won a gold medal whilst Wimborne First School received a bronze medal.
Wimborne’s own Prizegiving takes place on Saturday 19 September at Allenbourn Middle School at 2.30pm and then there is a wait until the middle of October to know how the town has fared in the National Britain in Bloom Competition.
Some members of the Wimborne in Bloom Committee with their awards and Glen Holdsworth, the Town Council groundsman (wearing a black top) responsible for maintaining Redcotts Recreation Ground
