Bracknell Your Gardens 2015 Gala Evening
5th November 2015 Posted in Council News
Bracknell’s top gardeners were rewarded for their blooming efforts at a glittering gala evening on Wednesday, 28th October 2015.
Over 100 participants took part in this year’s Bracknell Your Gardens competition which encourages the local community to take part in Bracknell’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom campaign.
The gala evening at Bracknell and Wokingham College, was hosted by Charles Shaw, Head of Development at Bracknell Forest Homes.
Gardening expert and previous Your Gardens prize winner, Jack Shilley, was guest speaker and presented the prizes to winners of eight gardening categories. Jack works at Longacres Garden Centre and is the founder and a director of YoungHort, a team of young horticulturists who promote young talent in horticulture.
Caroline Titley, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Homes, said: “Congratulations and well done to all who contribute to keeping Bracknell Forest a well maintained place to live with lots of pleasant green spaces.
“We are proud to be part of this community event, which recognises the achievements of the local residents and businesses in keeping the borough looking bright and cheerful”
Margaret Corridan, Bracknell Horticultural Association’s Secretary said: “The Gala Evening was a wonderful celebration of the achievements of all the entrants to the Your Gardens 2015 competition. Not only did a record number of participants enter this year’s competition but many entries were of an extremely high standard with 76% of main category participants being awarded a Gold or Silver Gilt medal.”
Wendy Smith, Landscape Liaison Representative, Bracknell Forest Homes said: “Entries for the 2016 Your Gardens competition opened at the gala evening and all this year’s entrants have been automatically entered. We encourage and support all Bracknell gardeners to enter, which can be done on our website, www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk. Gardens and allotments are shown on the RHS Britain in Bloom judging tour of the town”.
Allan Moffat, Chair of Bracknell in Bloom and Recreational Facilities Manager at Bracknell Town Council said: “I would like to thank the Your Gardens judges and organisers for all their hard work and our sponsors and supporters. Without all their valuable help and support the Your Gardens competition would not take place. Plans for next year are now being made, and further help, including from both new sponsors and additional supporters, would be welcome.”
RHS Thames and Chilterns It’s Your Neighbourhood certificates were also presented to 4th Bracknell Cubs and Beavers, Priestwood; Lysander Drive Gardens, The Parks, Harmans Water; and Wroxham Community Garden, Great Hollands. The It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign provides an opportunity for smaller volunteer-led community groups to get involved in the wider RHS Britain in Bloom initiative.
This year’s Bracknell Your Gardens competition was organised by Bracknell Forest Homes and Bracknell Horticultural Association. The competition was supported by Bracknell in Bloom’s other partners: – Bracknell Town Council, Bracknell Forest Council, and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, The Bracknell Forest Society and local residents and businesses which are also represented on the Bracknell in Bloom committee.
Role of Honour
Best Kept Allotment : Dave Lyczba and Sandie Keen, Anneforde Place Allotments
Best Youth Group Garden: 4th Bracknell Cubs and Beavers, Priestwood
Best School Garden : Sandy Lane Primary School, Garth
Best Individual Young Gardeners : Joint winners: Alexander and Elizabeth Hatherley, Great Hollands
Best Community Garden : Fountains Garth, Wildridings
Best Commercial Garden : Holly House, Bullbrook
Tallest Sunflower (Seniors): Measuring 12’ 9” (3.89m) Derek Morrison, Great Hollands
Tallest Sunflower (Juniors): Measuring 10’ 8” (3.25m) Conor McGee
Best Container Garden: Tom Henry, Garth
Container Garden – Second Place: Emma Coit, Great Hollands
Container Garden – Third Place: Deborah Hyman, Crown Wood
Best Front Garden : Mark Jones, The Parks, Harmans Water
Front Garden – Second Place : Mark Entwistle, Binfield
Front Garden – Third Place : Adam Atkinson-Young, The Parks, Harmans Water
Best Street Entry : 35 to 48 Fountains Garth, Wildridings
Highly Commended Allotments : Kim Lowry and Luke Thorne, Ringmead Allotments
Highly Commended Allotments : Fred Reece, Crowthorne Road Allotments
Most Environmentally Friendly Allotment : Darren Pirson, Ringmead Allotments
Best Pollinators Communal Garden : John and Sue Odell, Hanworth
Best Newcomer, Front Gardens : Mark Entwistle, Binfield
Best Environmental Garden, Front Gardens : Sue Kendal, Winkfield
Contribution to the Local Community, Front Gardens : Suzanne Wiggins, Priestwood
Best Recycling, Front Gardens : Kay Doubtfire, Crown Wood
Working with and Encouraging Children, Front Gardens : Deborah Hyman, Crown Wood
Best Presented Front Garden : Joint winners: Joan Ashdown, Wildridings, and Simon Groves, Birch Hill