Firstly, thank you to Acting Leader of Spelthorne Council, Cllr. Tony Harman for the line. It fitted the occasion perfectly!
The occasion was of course the Spelthorne in Bloom Awards which have just taken place at Shepperton Studios. It is the 27th year and the county is seen as the most vibrant in Surrey in terms of the effort that goes into it. The joy of seeing blooms adorning shop fronts, lamp posts, front gardens, pubs and public spaces, gives us the feel good factor and a sense of civic pride.
Chairman of Spelthorne in Bloom, Nick Wood-Dow was sadly not able to be at the awards this year, but Andrew Hirst stepped in with aplomb, doing an excellent job. He was clearly delighted when he announced the winners. One particular place dear to his heart did rather well– Grange Farm of course. In fact Grange Farm resident Shirley Faulkner took first place in the categories of Best Newcomer and Best Kept Front Garden. Not only that, but she also received the award for Best in Show, presented by Colin Squire (below).
Sunbury’s Leslie Grimes, a long term contender in the awards took away a first in the Best Hanging Basket category.
This year was the first year for an award for Best Allotment. The allotment movement is thriving (see article on the joys of having an allotment later in this issue). Brian Smith from Laleham Allotment Holders picked up a second.
Laleham also picked up third for the Best War Memorial. Jean Woods of Blacksmiths Lane who is responsible for tending it was not able to pick up the award in person but Donnica Coleman of the residents association stood in for her.
Finally the Best Kept Riverside Garden went to Jeannette Chisnall (above) of Staines Road, Laleham. Her garden was open to the public as part of the Laleham Open Gardens this year and it is very lovely indeed.
If you fancy getting involved then look out for the launch of SiB 2016. If you can spare some time then the committee is always looking out for volunteers. Call Katy Frame at Spelthorne Borough Council on 01784 446312.