There was a buzz in the air – but not from the bees this time – as the last vestiges of summer saw the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom awards ceremony held at the Hotel du Vin on September 29.
Some impressive scores were chalked up in this summer’s competition, which was sponsored by Coolings Nursery.
Sue Ashworth of Bayhall Road scored a perfect 100 in the Best Basket category, with Sandra and John O’Callaghan of Birch Close coming a close second on 98.
They did, however, secure their winning gold award in the Best Planter/Tub/Container section.
Southborough Pre-School posted a mighty 96 out of 100 among the schools, while Temple Grove Academy, St James’ CofE, Broadwater Down Primary, Opening Doors’ Herbilicious Project and St Barnabas CofE Primary also won gold.
The judges made a special mention of the allotments, where the standard was very high, and the participants were complimented on their recycling arrangements.
Cllr Jane March presented the awards and fellow councillor David Elliott, Chairman of the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom Committee, was on hand to offer his congratulations to all the winners, as was was the Mayor, David Neve.
WINNERS
Best School
Southborough Pre-School
Best Street/Flats
Calverley Park Crescent Residents Association
Best Basket
Sue Ashworth, Bayhall Road
Best Planter/Tub/Container
Sandra & John O’Callaghan, Birch Close
Best Patio/Balcony
Andrew Pratt, Monson Colonnade
Best Front Garden
Grant & Cherry Whytock, Cumberland Mews
Best Wildlife Garden
Claudia Sermbezis, Windmill Street
Best Allotment
Ray Copper, Hawkenbury
Best Commercial Basket/Planter
W A Turner, Broadwater Lane
Best Community Allotment/Garden
Crossways Community, Culverden Park Road
Best Shop Front
Love Inc, High Street
Best Pub/Club/Café
The Bedford, High Street
Best Business Grounds
The Barn, 1 Lonsdale Gardens
Best Windowsill
Parking Services, Town Hall
