JUDGES from The Royal Horticultural Society visited Wokingham during their search for this year’s national Britain in Bloom winner.
One of the largest environmental campaigns in Europe, the competition embraces the year round aim of creating a more beautiful Britain.
After 10 years of hard work, Wokingham in Bloom has won its first regional gold award for a large town in the Britain in Bloom Thames and Chiltern competition, and is now a contender for the 2023 National Finals.
The judges’ tour of Wokingham took them to a number of green spaces that are being nurtured by volunteer groups under the guidance of Wokingham Town Council’s Wokingham In Bloom group.
Town Council mayor Sally Gurney, and members of the Wokingham In Bloom team took Royal Horticultural Society judges Rae Beckwith and
Roger Burnett to see the town’s green spaces.
These included: Elms Field Queens border, Howard Palmer Gardens, Langborough Wildlife Garden, Ormonde Road Allotment, and the Community Fire Station garden.
RHS judge Mr Beckwith said: “The Bloom initiative is a vehicle to deliver positive change and a sustainable environment.
“The real beneficiaries of it are the people who live here, and those who visit the town.
“When we judge for the competition, we get a snapshot of the country and of how different communities are responding to the challenges, both economic and climate related.”
“We’ve caught the heart of what this competition is all about today – people and places.
“We’ve seen history, some ancient buildings, and a general air of improvement.
“And the number of volunteers who have answered the call is impressive.
RHS judge Mr Burnett added: “ It’s evident that there has been regeneration going on here for a number of years, that you don’t often see in many large communities like this.
“The transformation is mind-blowing, and is being done in a sensitive manner, with a lot of the planting complementing the buildings and the landscape.
“The work is of very high quality, and coupled with the ambition of the Town Council, its partners, the Borough Council, and local businesses, it is all paying dividends.”
Morag Malvern, Wokingham in Bloom Committee Chair, praised the work that goes on behind the scenes, and volunteers’ attention to detail.
She said: “There are lots of small groups doing pieces of work, each contributing in a way that they feel happy doing.
“When all the separate projects knit together, it generates so much enthusiasm, which is a delight to see.”
Mayor, Cllr Sally Gurney agreed.
“The amount of work that volunteers have done makes Wokingham absolutely amazing, not just during the summer but all year round as well,” she said.
“Just the sheer number of volunteer organisations and individuals who contribute to such a lovely place to live is amazing.”
Mr Beckwith ended by commenting that the judges had noticed positive developments in the town.
He said: “Wokingham is a vibrant community that is changing for the better, and it is a privilege to come and view what you are doing.
“What we have seen is a lot of involvement shining through, and the pride people take in their town.”
He explained that during the pandemic the Britain In Bloom campaign suffered badly.
“But now we are seeing right across the country that people are leaving its effects behind,” he said.
“Everywhere we are meeting individuals and groups who want to start to make positive change again.
“There is a real sense of renewed energy to do something new.”
The judges’ whirlwind tour of the country saw them visit 10 finalist entries over 13 days.
For the next fortnight they will be assessing each entry according to their criteria, before announcing the overall winner.
Until then Wokingham In Bloom will be holding its breath.
