Hanging up his trowel: Town’s top gardener honoured at Newbury in Bloom awards ceremony

The driving force behind Newbury’s horticultural efforts has been given a special honour during an awards ceremony for the town’s gardeners.

The annual Newbury in Bloom presentation event was an opportunity to thank those who had taken part in the campaign aimed at brightening up the town through floral displays.

The event also allowed the town to celebrate achieving Green Flag status for Victoria Park and City Recreation Ground.

This award recognises quality parks or green spaces and that the winner has the highest possible environmental standards, is well maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

For the In Bloom contest, 38 entrants competed for eight categories, and all were invited on to the Corn Exchange’s stage to have a moment of glory.

Newbury mayor Andy Moore presented the winners with a unique spade, burn etched by pyrography artist Naomi Lunn.

They were also given a prize worth £100 and a certificate.

And Doug Marsh, from Lower Raymond Almshouses, was recognised with a Dedication to Horticulture Within Their Community award.

James Heasman, Newbury Town Council’s parks and open spaces supervisor and organiser of the event, said: “I have seen some amazing entries over the years and some truly dedicated people but only one entry has been there year after year with Doug being the driving force each time.

“There has been such progression over the years and the Lower Raymond Almshouses have won their category a number of times.

“Doug has let us know that he will be hanging up his trowel this year and handing over the reins to others within the community.

“We wanted to dedicate this special award to recognise his achievement.

“Thank you, Doug, for all of your dedication over the years.”

All entrants were praised by Gary Norman, the leader of Newbury Town Council, who said the town had looked spectacular throughout the year, thanks to people’s efforts.

“It shows what can be done to enhance Newbury for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

“I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in the Newbury in Bloom campaign and thank Tudor Environmental, who kindly donated the spades and our contractors, John O’Conner, who have sponsored this presentation evening.

“We are very grateful to all of our sponsors who donated prizes for each category and the Corn Exchange, Newbury for their invaluable support in making the awards such a success.”

The winners:

Schools and Colleges, sponsored by Rivar Sand and Gravel Ltd: Newbury College

Allotments, sponsored by Yew Tree Garden Centre: James Berry at West Mills Allotments

Community Projects, sponsored by Rivar Sand and Gravel Ltd: The Globe Garden, Newbury Lock

Businesses, sponsored by Sundog Hire: Bill’s Restaurant, Newbury

Places of Worship, sponsored by Sundog Hire: St Nicolas Newbury

Neighbourhood. sponsored by Greentips Tree Surgery: Lower Raymond Almshouses

Miniature Garden, sponsored by Greentips Tree Surgery: Falkland School Miniature Garden on Wash Common Allotment