2017 South & South East In Bloom, Wimborne Wins Gold and Town Title
For the fourth year in succession the Town of Wimborne Minster has won a Gold Award. But this year, on account of the increase in the Town's population (6000+), we moved from the Small Town Category to the Town Category and are delighted to report that not only did we achieve Gold but at our first attempt in the new Category the Town has won the Best in Category title.
The picture above shows Anthony Oliver, now the group's Press Officer, Susie Gatrell, Secretary and Richard Nunn, Chairman with the Awards which had been presented to Wimborne in Bloom by Joe Talbot who presents the Gardening Programme DIGIT on Radio Sussex and Surrey on a Sunday. The Regional South and South East in Bloom Awards Ceremony took place at the Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick on 20th September 2017.
Speaking after the Ceremony a delighted Richard Nunn, Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom said "Not only were we in a new category but we won it at the first attempt and he thanked all who have helped us to achieve this magnificent result in this special year when we are celebrating our 25th anniversary. It justly reflects on the hard work put in by many, both committee, members and supporters and also it wouldn't have been possible without the superb public support which is given for our events". The Judges in their comments said, "On a very hot day, Wimborne pulled out all the stops to show them how proud they were in their Town".
In addition the Redcotts Recreation Ground won a Silver Gilt Award and Anthony Oliver, the former Chairman and founder of the group 25 years ago was awarded one of the Regions Outstanding Contribution Awards for 2017 for all that he has done in the name of 'In Bloom' over the past 25 years.
Judging earlier in the year
The Town of Wimborne Minster welcomed two judges from South and South East in Bloom Jean Griffin and Paul Dalby on Wednesday 5th July. The Town was being judged in the Town Category of the Regional Competition for the first time on account of the increase in the Town's population. The Judges spent three hours seeing the best the Town had to offer and this included extra time to also Judge Redcotts Recreation Ground in the Regional Parks Competition. Included in the tour was a visit to St. John's First School where they were shown round the grounds by the pupils.
The judges in the Town Centre with Eileen Worth, Wimborne Minster Chamber of Trade and Commerce Member and Richard Nunn, Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom and Anthony Oliver, Committee Member who escorted the Judges round the Town.
The Judges being welcomed before judging commenced with the Mayor Cllr Terry Wheeler, Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom, Richard Nunn, Members of the Wimborne in Bloom Committee along with the Town Crier Chris Brown, the Chairman of the Wimborne BID Ian Faulkner and Bid Manager, Tammy Sleet.
Photographs of the judging (above) taken by Neil Davidson of Wimborne Camera Club
Certificate of Excellence
Certificates of Excellence 2017 were also awarded to Brenda Hare-Brown, Rob Cole, Kathy & John Allen, David Sims for their contributions to the in Bloom effort in Wimborne throughout the previous year.
Brenda Hare-Brown, with Richard Nunn (chairman), Terry Wheeler (Wimborne Town Mayor) and Susie Gatrell (secretary), receiving her award later in the year.
Rob Cole, Kathy & John Allen, David Sims with Richard Nunn (chairman, second from right) receiving their awards at the Wimborne in Bloom social evening.