By Monica Jones
I wonder how many of you saw a piece in some of the nationals recently stating that once more Shepperton has been voted one of the happiest places to live in the UK.
One of the things that contributes to a happy place is a sense of wellbeing. With Spelthorne in Bloom encouraging residents to garden and tend, the sense of civic pride exudes.
Shepperton did well at the awards finals again this year. The competition has been running since 1989 and celebrates the work of the bor-ough’s green fingered residents. It is about making the borough beautiful. Best in Show this year was Linda Osborne of Manor Farm Avenue, Shep-perton, who also won Best Kept Front Garden and who came second in Best Hanging Basket. Congratulations Linda, seen here receiving her award from Colin Squire.
Laleham Primary School did brilliantly too, winning Tallest Sunflower (Manor Mead coming second) and Best School Garden.
Best Kept Community Garden went to the Lordsbridge Garden team and Shepperton Community Garden came runner up in the Best Allotment category.
Julia Gee from Walton Lane won Best River-side Garden.
Shepperton also did well in the pub category, sponsored by Village Matters. I presented the winning award (above) to The Three Horseshoes, Shepperton in the Best Kept Large Pub and to The Harrow (although not in person) for the Best Kept Small Pub.
What an effort! Well done to all the winners and to all those who took part. It is a great testimony to the love and pride we have for Shepperton.
Spelthorne in Bloom will open again in the spring for 2024. This is your chance to make a new year’s resolution and get your garden ‘award ready’. Well, why not?!
The committee is always looking out for new members too, if you fancy being part of the operation behind the scenes. And if you might be interested in sponsoring an award you would be welcome too. Please contact Emma Paver for more information. Email Spelthorne.inBloom@spelthorne.gov.uk or call 01784 446379.
It was great to see the launch evening at Squire’s and the awards presentation at Notcutts. Thank you everyone for the part you play.