Local Competition 2011

 

 

Tight budgets meant it was actually touch and go as to whether this year’s Gosport & Lee-on-the-Solent in Bloom competition would take place. But thanks to Sodexo, the Council’s new Grounds Maintenance Contractor, it did go ahead, as did the Award Ceremony at the Thorngate Halls.  

 

“Sodexo very kindly provided sponsorship for the next 3 years, for which we are immensely grateful,” said Councillor Graham Burgess, Chairman of the Community Board at Gosport Borough Council.  

 

“We had some fantastic entries, fewer than last year, but nevertheless a lot of new people taking part which was very nice to see.” 

 

The high standards meant a difficult time for the judges, who decided the winners, with Mr ‘In Bloom’, himself, Mr Fred Dinenage, there to present Awards to the following ‘Best’ in category winners.

 

 

 

Best Front Garden

 

The winning gardens clearly demonstrated that a beautiful garden doesn’t just bring pleasure to the owner, but to the entire community. Fred was delighted to present the following awards:-

 

  

·         Gold - Mr & Mrs Foster

 

·         Silver - Mr McPhee

 

·         Bronze - Mrs Rita Sykes 

 

 

 

Certificates of Excellence also went to:  Mrs Marie Jenkins, Mr & Mrs Stock, Mr A Ginn, and P Morris.

 

Highly Commended Certificates of Excellence went to: Mr & Mrs Thomas, Mrs Joan Cook, Ann & Heaven Shelton, Mrs Menendez-Fombona and Mrs Grigoleit.

 

Best Balcony

 

This category showed the effort required in creating a vibrant, exciting display in a small space, something clearly evident and greatly admired by the judges who awarded:-

 

  

·         Gold - J Phillips

 

·         Silver - Danielle Squire

 

·         Bronze - Mrs V Noyes

 

 

 

Certificates of Excellence went to:  Tim Cooper

 

 

Best Hanging Basket/Floral Container

 

These entries provided some impressive displays making it difficult to judge.  It was the attention to detail and use of colour which finally decided the 2 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze award winners who were:-

 

  

·         Gold - Mr& Mrs Foster -  Mr & Mrs Hardwick

 

·         Silver - Donnelly & Elliot Solicitors  

 

·         Bronze -P Morris - Mr & Mrs Stock

 

 

 

Certificates of Excellence went to:  Danielle Squire, Forton Bowling Club, Swan Court, Mrs Sylvia Gibbs and Mr A Ginn.

 

Highly Commended Certificates of Excellence went to:  Louise Warner, Mrs Marie Jenkins, Mrs Grigoleit, Mrs Menendez-Fombona, Mr McPhee and Heather's Hair.

 

 

Best Business Initiative

 

This category showed the commitment of local businesses in helping make our town a nicer, more pleasant place to live and work. Judges were delighted with their efforts awarding:- 

 

 

 

·         Gold - Donnelly & Elliot Solicitors

 

·         Silver - Gosport Business Centre

 

·         Bronze - Alverstoke Lawn Tennis Club - Heather’s Hair

 

 

 

Best Retirement/Sheltered Housing

 

This category saw very different entries. Every one excelled and amazed the judges making it a tough decision, so much so they finally agreed two Gold awards.

 

 

 

·         Gold -Alec Rose House & Northcott House

 

·         Silver -Slocum House

 

·         Bronze - Swan Court

 

 

 

Best Allotment

 

Like it's produce, this award continues to grow. Allotments are increasingly in demand by people wishing to grow their own fruit and vegetables, with plots visited on judging day looking superb.

 

 

 

·         Gold - Mr V J Parsons  

 

·         Silver - Mr Bruce Thomas 

 

·         Bronze - Mr& Mrs Stock  

 

 

 

Highly Commended Certificates of Excellence went to:  Sylvia Cleary and Mr A Ginn.

 

 

Community and Neighbourhood Award

 

This acknowledged the outstanding work done by community groups which benefit us all. 

 

 

 

·         Gold - Help for Heroes Garden, Kings Road. LOS

 

·         Silver - Anchor Garden, Grove Road

 

·         Bronze - Residents of Chester Court

 

 

A Highly Commended Certificate of Excellence went to:  Lee-on-the-Solent Library Garden.

 

 

The Outstanding Achievement Award went to Sylvia Cleary, a lady who has done an incredible amount in her first year on her allotment. She has involved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in planting, growing and in any construction required, showing them all how growing things can be fun, interesting and very rewarding.

 

  

Finally, the Best Newcomer Award went to Mr McPhee and the Mayors Award (Best of the Best), which was presented by the Mayor, went to Mr & Mrs Foster.