MP presents Storrington in Bloom prizes

23/09/2013
The Storrington in Bloom awards were given out by Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert on Wednesday evening (18 September).

The awards evening took place at the Squires Garden Centre in Washington and celebrated the floral displays around the village of Storrington. 

The MP was invited to present the certificates, plaques and trophies to this year's winners.  A total of 49 entrants took part in the local annual event, and they were not only competing for an award, but helping to make the village a better place.

Voluntary teams, businesses and residents have all contributed to the colourful displays around the village guided by co-ordinator Jo Cragg from the Village Florist.  The Storrington in Bloom displays formed part of a bigger nationwide competition, the In Bloom awards, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

It was a double celebration for the organisers and participants when Jo Cragg announced that Storrington had won a Silver Gilt in the South & South East in Bloom awards.  The village was visited by judges in July, and the award was announced at a special presentation the week before the local event.

2,417 plants have been planted in a wide variety of locations around the village, plus a further 7,800 potted water lilies in the refurbishment of the village pond.  Displays have included hanging baskets, planting beneath the town signs, and a central floral display.  Recycled water from a local dairy was used to keep the flowers looking their best.

Sarah Squires, Director of D.J. Squire & Co Ltd, and the main sponsors of the Storrington In Bloom event, welcomed everybody to the garden centre for the awards.   Chris Wright, In Bloom organiser, and Nick Herbert MP, presented the prizes.

This year's winners were John Blott of Bramber Avenue for Best Front Garden, Gill Ion for Best Allotment, Brewers Yard for Best Community Area, and The Moon public house for Best Business/Pub Garden.

Britain in Bloom will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year.  Storrington is already looking ahead to the 2014 competition and planning their next displays. 

Ends

Notes

1. For further information about South & South East in Bloom, please see their website  http://www.sseib.com