It’s official: Farnham is a hotbed of flower power as the town has enjoyed a double triumph at the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards.
Everything has come up rosy for the Farnham In Bloom campaign as the town claimed Gold and Best in Category at the national showpiece in Manchester.
Farnham Town Council’s flagship project faced some tough competition in the Town Centres and City Centres section heading into the final last Monday (October 21).
But the town not only took Gold in the South East section, but was also named overall best in category ahead of top entries from counterparts in Canary Wharf, Rochdale and Shaftesbury.
The accolade marks another triumph for Farnham as it follows on from the town’s Gold award and Best In Category recognition in 2019 and its joint win in 2017.
Farnham’s triumph was also viewed by an audience of millions as the announcement was made on the flagship BBC programme The One Show with the footage quickly being circulated by town council figures.
The victory was no mean feat as the FTC project came up against stiff competition with 52 community gardening group finalists vying for regional and national titles.
But Farnham in Bloom’s “outstanding commitment to community and environmental excellence” caught the attention of the judges.
“Whether you enter the town on foot or by car the impact of Bloom is immediate,” said Ann Holland and Lesley Jelleyman, Britain in Bloom judges.
“Farnham in Bloom’s roots and benefits reach almost everyone in the town.”
Although the Farnham In Bloom project is headed by FTC the success would not have been possible without the huge contribution made by volunteers, partner organisations and sponsors.
Indeed, the likes of Space2Grow and Badshot Lea Community Garden were both highlighted by judges in a glowing assessment of the project.
The judges stated: “The importance of health and wellbeing is evident here.
“Space2Grow is a community space that supports mental and physical health and wellbeing for residents of all ages. Truancy levels amongst teenage students visiting have reduced.
“As well as experiencing the joys of horticulture, young people can get hands-on in the mud kitchen and with construction projects. More than 600 schoolchildren attend outdoor learning here throughout the year.”
They added: “The Victoria Garden, once a swimming pool, is now a sunken garden. The mixed cottage-style borders, box maze, chess board, statue of a swimmer and plenty of seating make this a tranquil space.
“With its wildlife-friendly pond and allotments for growing vegetables, fruit and herbs, Badshot Lea Community Garden is thriving. Patients who have been offered green prescribing are just some of those benefiting from this space.”
Councillor Brodie Mauluka, Mayor of Farnham, thanked the community for supporting the bid and admitted to feeling a bit emotional when the news sunk in.
He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the awards ceremony and was almost in tears when receiving the Gold awards as it meant so much to represent the winning team of Farnham.”
Volunteers really dug in, donating a staggering 23,000 hours of time while Gold sponsors included The Patio Black Spot Removal Company, BBS Ltd, Squire’s Garden Centre and Wildflower Turf. There were other sponsors, of course, that contributed to the project with plans already in place for the 2025 bid.
Although Farnham missed out on the overall title – that honour went to Bath – no-one was disappointed with thoughts already turning to next year and the 35th Farnham In Bloom campaign.
Projects will include increasing biodiversity in Farnham’s green spaces, improving the sustainability of flower beds with perennial planting, working with younger people, and expanding the tree planting programme.
Farnham Town Council prepared for the big night by hosting two special ceremonies of its own to recognise and thank the army of volunteers behind its award-winning regional and national performance.
The first celebrated the contribution of local schools with pupils and teachers gathering at Squire’s Garden Centre as awards for biggest pumpkin to best hanging basket were handed out.
Deputy mayor of Farnham, Cllr George Murray, said it was “wonderful” to see so many schools taking part in Farnham In Bloom before thanking volunteers.
He said: “The success of Farnham in Bloom would not be what it is today without the wonderful support from our local schools.
“I would like to give a big thank you to the teachers and volunteers who guide the pupils and share their knowledge to inspire our gardeners of the future.”
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from host and Gold sponsor, Sarah Squire who has been a long-time supporter of Farnham in Bloom.
Allotment holders were the first to receive recognition with eight “best allotment plot” awards being handed out – one for each of FTC’s sites. Four best newcomer awards were also presented along with special cups for the dalia challenge and “best of the best”.
The next category focused on “secret gardens” with nearly 30 prizes being presented for the likes of hanging basket, courtyard, care home, bee friendly border and pub.
Special awards were also presented to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to Farnham In Bloom with Jerry and Ena Goolding being named joint “Gardener of the Year”.
The Bloomin’ Litter Volunteer of the Year was presented to Mark Whitmore while the Badshot Lea School headteacher claimed the Mayor’s Special Awards.
Cllr Hesse added: “We have seen lots of exciting new projects this year including flower inspired planters created at Farnham Pottery, an art and sound installation which came from a collaboration between Weydon School and UCA, a wildlife area in Gostrey Meadow plus a Hollywood inspired bug hotel by Green Up Britain.
“Each year, more and more people become part of Farnham in Bloom and each year it grows bigger and stronger,” before repeating FTC’s thanks for the support of the Gold sponsors.
He added: “It is great to see such enthusiasm for the project and it is thanks to our sponsors that we are able to take on new initiatives and expand the reach of this truly inclusive community project.”
You can find out more about the opportunities and the positive impact of Farnham in Bloom by watching a short film about the 2024 campaign at www.farnham.gov.uk, or you can email [email protected] for information about volunteering or sponsorship opportunities.
Farnham In Bloom 2024 selected winners:
Best School Garden: Badshot Lea Village Infant School (gold); Best Hanging Basket: Badshot Lea Village Infant School (gold); Tallest Sunflower: St Andrew’s C of E Infant School; Biggest Pumpkin: St Polycarp’s Catholic Primary School; Bloomin’ Biodiversity: Potters Gate C of E Primary School; Flower in the Boot: St Andrew’s C of E Infant School; Wildlife Photography Competition: Badshot Lea Village Infant School
Green Champions Award: Badshot Lea Village Infant School, Edgborough School, Potters Gate C of E Primary School, St Polycarp’s Catholic Primary School, Highfield South Farnham School; South and South East Certificates of Excellence: St Andrew’s C of E Infant School, The Ridgeway School, Badshot Lea Village Infant School;
Special Awards: Gardener of the Year Jerry and Ena Goolding; Bloomin Litter Volunteer of the Year Mark Whitmore; The Mayor’s Special Award Gemma Ball
(Full awards on www.farnhamherald.com)