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2019 Wimborne awarded Silver Gilt in Britain in Bloom

25th Oct 2019 - The results are out ... The Town of Wimborne Minster was awarded a Silver Gilt Medal in the RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals at the Awards Ceremony held at RHS Lindley Hall in London last Friday.

The hosts included RHS President, Sir Nicholas Bacon, who gave an address whilst the Master of Ceremonies was Jamie Butterworth, garden designer, writer, broadcaster and RHS Ambassador. The Awards were presented by Baroness Floella Benjamin.

Awards

Photo: WIB chairman Richard Nunn and WIB secretary Susie Gatrell receiving Wimborne's award from Baroness Floella Benjamin

There were eight other towns across the country competing with Wimborne in the Town Category and the winner was Haddington, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

The comments contained in the judges report included ‘The Town was spotless thanks to the efforts of the Wimborne in Bloom volunteers who make a real difference to the environment – it really shows the additional hours put in’ and also, regarding Community, ‘The Judges congratulate you on your exciting and wide range of events and fundraising activities. You have a very full calendar and for a small town your turnover and sustainable fund raising initiatives are excellent.’

‘ ... The new allotments are some of the best the judges have seen while judging ... The passion of Sarah Wise was infectious ... David Emes was inspirational ... The displays at West Street were fantastic, a real wow’

Read all of the judges’ reports here:

Commenting, after return from London, Chairman Richard Nunn expressed his very sincere thanks for the efforts and support of many in Wimborne which has been recognised by this nationally acclaimed award by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Earlier in the year ...

On a bright and sunny Monday morning (29th July) the Town of Wimborne Minster welcomed the two Judges from Britain in Bloom. The Town was nominated by the South and South East in Bloom Region as a finalist having won the Town title in the Regional Competition last year.

Judges and committe

Photo: members of the Wimborne in Bloom Team with the Judges, the Mayor and Town Crier at the Town Hall before Judging commenced.

The Judges Kim Parish and Mel Henley rived at the Town Hall to be greeted by the Town Mayor Cllr Shane Bartlett, the Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom Richard Nunn and other Members of the Wimborne in Bloom Committee. Following a presentation on Wimborne in Bloom the judges went on a two and a half hour tour of the Town. They were shown around the Town including visits to Redcotts Recreation Ground, Wimborne First School, the Allenview Estate, walked along the River Allen and through Willow Walk to Crown Mead. They visited the Priest House Museum Garden and then the High Street where they received a special 'cry' of welcome from Town Crier Chris Brown before walking into The Square. They visited the Leaze allotments before concluding the Tour at the Model Town.

Judges and WIB Chairman

Photo: Britain in Bloom Judges Kim Parish and Mel Henley with Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom Richard Nunn.

Mel Henley said after the judging, "it was great to be in Wimborne today and see all the efforts of the Wimborne in Bloom Team and their Partners. It was fantastic to see how the different Partners work together to improve this beautiful town". Kim Parish added "The community and their passion for improvement shone through and this was evident in your new plastic free status and recent river clean".

The results of the National Judging will not be known until the end of October so please help us to keep everywhere looking clean and tidy for the sake of residents and visitors alike.

Judges and WIB Chairman

Photo: Britain in Bloom Judges Kim Parish and Mel Henley with Chairman of Wimborne in Bloom Richard Nunn and General Manager of Wimborne Model Town & Gardens Greg Hoar.

Volunteer litter pickers

Sunday 28th July saw a superb turnout to help make Wimborne look great for the judges, with over 30 people turning up during the evening to help in the town wide litter pick. A fine example of community in action to improve the environment.

Hanging baskets are delivered

June 2019: Beecroft Nursery delivers 195 hanging baskets; with the help of WMTC groundsmen and a bevvy of WIB volunteers they are all put into position around the town in just over four hours.

March 2019: Wimborne has again been nominated as a finalist in the 'Town' category of this year's RHS Britain in Bloom Competition, this follows on from our succes in the South and South East competition last year.

The full list of 9 entrants in the 'Town' catgeory for 2019 is:

This year sees a change to the marking of the competition. "The UK Finalist marking criteria has been updated for 2019 to reflect the increasing importance of community involvement and environmental stewardship. From this year, 40 per cent of all marks will be awarded to efforts in horticulture, with 30 per cent each devoted to community and environment, instead of the previous split of 50, 25 and 25." We will be delighted to receive any suggestions for suitable projects that we could tackle this year that could showcase our strengths within these categories.