THE work and efforts of Oswestry businesses and residents to make the town a Heart of England winner were rewarded this week through an awards ceremony.
The annual Oswestry In Bloom awards took place at the town’s Memorial Hall, in Smithfield Street, last Monday and were overseen by former BBC presenter and reporter James Bond, a familiar MC for town events.
Commercial awards were presented by Oswestry In Bloom’s greatest supporter, Margaret Thrower (daughter of Percy, the most famous of all TV gardeners) while residential awards were presented by Gareth Manning, RHS Heart of England In Bloom judge.
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Natalie Bainbridge, chairman of the volunteer committee for Oswestry in Bloom said: “We were over the moon with the number and standard of entries this year.
“We have changed some of the categories and added new ones to reflect today’s gardening trends and we are keen to involve young people in our projects.
“They are the future.
“The national competitions are great, adding a focus, but are really the icing on the cake.
“The real success is involving so many people, seeing their commitment and teamwork.
“I believe Oswestry In Bloom has become a catalyst for linking up organisations throughout the town.”
With the ‘amazing’ support of Oswestry Town Council, and the work of all the volunteers, the town was ‘dressed to impress’.
Trophies awarded on the night included Meraki Colour winning mayor Councillor Olly Rose’s award for best town centre floral display while best town centre commercial premises went to Fat Rabbit.
Best industrial estate commercial premises was Midac UK; best dressed window was Freda’s Day Centre; best pub/hotel was The Bailey Head; best in bloom school was Bellan House/Oswestry School; and best community project was CROP.
Meanwhile, for residents, best small front garden was Phyllis Hurst; best large front garden: Brian Barnfield; best small back garden was Carol Morris; best large back garden was Mr and Mrs Wilkinson; best container garden Doreen Arnold; best kitchen garden was Olive Morris; and Best hanging basket was Madeleine Roberts.
New categories were added this year with a popular addition of Young Gardener of the Year which was awarded to Jack Butler from The Marches School by Natalie Bainbridge.
The very popular Sunflower Competition saw two awards “Best Sunflower Diary” to Bellan House and “Tallest Sunflower” to Woodside School.
The final award, “The Chair’s Award” for exceptional work” was won by Paul Moss and the Derwen College students.
Oswestry is a finalist in the “Best of Britain In Bloom” and the winner will be announced on BBC’s One Show between 7pm and 7.30pm on Monday, October 23.
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Graham Mitchell, committee member and director of Oswestry Borderland Tourism, said: “The town has some wonderful hard-working organisations supporting the local population and making Oswestry a welcoming visitor destination.
“This in turn supports the local economy and makes the town an even better place to live”.
Oswestry In Bloom is looking for more volunteers and participants – www.OswestryInBloom/wordpress.com for more.
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