Sowing the seeds of success

Sittingbourne in Bloom scoops gold award in the large town category for a third year in a row. Friday 13th proved to be a lucky day for hard working local volunteer gardeners, as they were recognised and rewarded at the RHS South, South East in Bloom Awards.

Other areas in the borough also fair well with Faversham being awarded silver gilt, and Queenborough and Rushenden received a bronze award. Eastchurch wowed the judges with their entry and received gold in the village category for their first-time entry. 

Milton Creek Country Park, Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park picked up gold in the parks category, while King Georges in Sittingbourne picked up silver gilt having been awarded silver at last year’s awards.

Swale Borough Council’s open spaces apprentice, Ryan Gevaux-Ross, was recognized for his efforts in the borough and was awarded the RHS young champions accolade.


Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for environment at the council, said:

“Volunteers across the borough can be proud of their hard work in making Swale look its best. Gaining recognition at the RHS South, South East in Bloom Awards is well deserved for everyone involved, not just to the groups of volunteers but also schools, scouts, churches, halls, businesses and private gardens-as the judges grade our towns on everything they see on their visit. The judges were particularly impressed with the level of engagement and involvement from schools in Sittingbourne.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone who gives up their time to brighten up their towns, villages, parks and neighbourhoods to make them something which everyone can enjoy.”

The awards took place at the Amex Stadium, Brighton on Friday, 13 September.

Local winners in the RHS South, South East in Bloom Awards were:

Large Town Category:
  
• Sittingbourne in Bloom: GOLD
• Faversham in Bloom: SILVER GILT
• Queenborough and Rushenden: BRONZE

Parks Category:
  
• Milton Creek Country Park: GOLD
• Oare Gunpowder Works: GOLD
• King Georges, Sittingbourne: SILVER GILT

Village Category:

• Eastchurch (first time entry): GOLD

Good to hear good news about Sittingbourne!  Well done to the In Bloom team.