Guildford in Bloom Gets Silver Gilt

Published on: 23 Sep, 2014
Updated on: 25 Sep, 2014

The Castle Grounds, in which this commemorative planting is situated, received special mention.

The Castle Grounds, in which this WW1 commemorative planting is situated, received special mention.

Guildford has been awarded Silver Gilt at this year’s South East in Bloom competition.

And Cllr Jen Powell (Con, Clandon & Horsley), chairman of the Guildford in Bloom Committee, was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for her hard work as chairman since 1987.

She said: “Guildford’s award-winning town centre has helped us secure this Silver Gilt Award. We are extremely proud to have such enthusiastic community groups, local businesses and a dedicated team at Guildford Borough working so hard to help us achieve this success”.

Celebrity gardener Chris Collins presents the Outstanding Achievement Award to Cllr Jenny Powell

The hanging baskets and floral displays around the town, as well as the well-designed and planted castle grounds, and war memorial planting were among the highlights that led to the town receiving this award.

The judges were particularly taken with the “impressive castle grounds'”and they commented that Guildford is: “a tidy and colourful town with lots of history and interest… the link with community groups is very good with special mention to the Glade volunteers, a great initiative within the town… [and] the efforts of Jen Powell must be commended for her time and hard work since 1987”.

The initiative is part of Guildford Borough Council’s commitment to improving residents’ local surroundings, by focusing on issues that matter most to them such as a cleaner, safer and greener environment.

Other award winners were:

Urban Community Section: Ash in Bloom – Silver Gilt and Category Winner

It’s your neighbourhood : Snaky Lane – Outstanding; Harpers Road Ash – Improving

Experience Guildford : BID – Silver