2015 South and South East in Bloom Competition

There was more than a surprise in store when Richard Nunn, Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom accompanied by Committee Members Chris Hooker and Anthony Oliver attended the South and South East in Bloom Regional Prizegiving held at the Amex Stadium, Brighton on Friday. For almost the last award of the afternoon Wimborne in Bloom were announced as one of only two groups to receive the prestigious Chairman's Award. The Chairman's Award can be given to an individual, a group, community or project that differs from any other award and especially 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".

Photo taken at Brighton when the Awards were presented on Friday. The pic depicts (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.

In the Small Town Category the Town won a Gold Medal for the second year in succession just missing out on the Small Town Title to Cranbrook in Kent, the only other Small Town to gain a Gold Medal.

For the first time Redcotts Recreation Ground was entered into the Regional Park Competition and came away with a Silver Gilt Award - thanks to the good standard of maintenance by Glen Holdsworth, Head Groundsman and his Team.

Photo taken this morning with some members of the Wimborne in Bloom Committee and Glen Holdsworth, the Town Council Groundsman...(from left to right) Chris and Jean Hooker, John Burden, Glen Holdsworth, holding the Silver Gilt Certificate awarded to Redcotts Recreation Ground, Terry Wheeler, holding the Small Town Gold Award Certificate, Richard Nunn, Chairman holding the piece of Glass awarded for the Chairman's Award, Anthony Oliver and Sally Bishton, holding the Chairman's Award Certificate.

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.