A gardening group in Swindon has held its title of 'best of the best', winning gold at the RHS in Bloom awards.
South Swindon in Bloom is a community-led initiative supported by South Swindon Parish Council, local businesses, schools and community volunteers.
After winning gold in the 'large towns' category of RHS in Bloom 2023, the group of hardworking gardeners put themselves forward for the 'Champions of Champions' category this year on the competition's 60th anniversary.
Gardeners were thrilled to walk away with yet another a win, beating off tough competition from neighbouring towns and cities including Bath, Babbacombe, Thornbury and Yeovil.
Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser📱
— Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) October 17, 2024
Our flash sale brings stories directly to you.
Take advantage of our exclusive offer of over 40% off an annual subscription.
Your community's stories await. https://t.co/ayrpkI4RBy#KnowYourTown #SpecialOffer pic.twitter.com/jxF0pfApg9
On top of this gold win, TWIGS Community Gardens was also awarded third in the 'In Your Neighbourhood' category, with manager Alan Holland also being given an award for their dedication to the community.
A pupil from Badbury Park Primary School also came in third place in the under-6s painting competition.
Martin Hambidge, a community gardening leader in Swindon, said: “South Swindon have been entering the Southwest in Bloom competition for five years with over 30 different locations in our town involved.
"We were awarded our first Gold Medal in 2023 and came first in class.
"This year Swindon progressed to the Champion of Champions class and did particularly well to maintain its Gold Status.”
Linda Kasmaty, South Swindon Parish Councillor and a Community Gardener, added: “We are pleased to be part of South West in Bloom which is one of eighteen regional competitions that make up Britain in Bloom, the biggest horticultural competition in Europe.”
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/
As a digital subscriber, you will get:
- Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website
- Advert-light access
- Reader rewards
- Full access to our app
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here