A HOST of schools, businesses and residents scooped top awards for their floral displays at this year’s Evesham in Bloom awards.
Last Tuesday saw a presentation ceremony held at the Town Hall where the Mayor of Evesham, Coun Richard Jones, and Evesham in Bloom committee members were on hand to present the certificates and trophies to the winners.
In the school’s category Swan Lane First School was crowned the overall winner, St Andrew’s First School and St Mary’s Catholic School were awarded Gold awards, St Richard’s First School and The Vale School picked up Silver-gilt awards, and The De Montfort School won a Silver award.
A number of businesses picked up top awards for their floral displays including Evesham’s railway station which was named the overall winner.
The Royal Oak won the Silver-gilt award, Merstow Green Funeral Home scooped a Silver award, and Jelly Pickle Jam picked up a Bronze award.
Baldwin Accountants received a Certificate of Excellence and both Amber Cafe and The Golden Cross received Certificates of Achievement.
In the resident’s category Mr and Mrs Saunder of Henry Street were crowned the overall winners. Mrs Dyke won the Silver-gilt award, A Philips of Deacle Place scooped the Silver award while Ms Cox of Columbine Drive picked up the Bronze award.
The Certificate of Excellence went to Mrs Luxon of Huxley Way and Mrs Binney of Hampton Vicarage received the Certificate of Achievement.
Chair of Evesham in Bloom, Emma Goodge, said: “I would like to thank everyone who entered for putting in so much effort into their gardens big and small it does make such a difference to the town and ask them to encourage their neighbours, friend and family to consider taking part next year.
“Also to the Town Council and all the gardening team for all their help and support, to Lee of Abbey Gardens for continuing to supply all that plants that we use and the Mayor and his family for all their help and not forgetting the committee members, Diana and Robert Raphael, Sue Amor and Kate Gilbert who without their guidance and support we would not have achieved as highly as we did.
“We look forward to doing even better next year.”
Celebrations are also in order for the whole town after Evesham received a Silver-gilt award at the Heart of England in Bloom Awards which were held at Warwick Castle earlier this month.
Speaking at the awards, judges Mark Wiltshire and Jennifer Wharton praised Evesham’s efforts and said: “Wow, what a difference a year has made.
“The improvement in this entry is remarkable. The new rebranded bloom committee has worked wonders.
“The local businesses have really gone the extra mile this year, in particular Merstow Green Funeral Home and the nationally acclaimed Royal Oak. “The Market Square is now once again thriving with numerous new businesses moving in.
“The highlight of the tour was the visit to St Andrew’s School with possibly the most informative and knowledgeable pupils seen in recent years.”
