Gardeners praised at bloom awards

Bexhill won the Gatwick Cup this year for the best new entry in the South In Bloom section for towns with a population of more than 10,000.

The competition is run by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Mr Hyde, from Richmond, Surrey, who sits on the South In Bloom committee, said at an awards ceremony at The Mermaid that the efforts of those who had entered the Bexhill in Bloom contest this summer had helped the town to win the regional Gatwick Cup.

He also praised the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, Rother council, shopkeepers, publicans, business people and green-fingered residents who had made such an impact on the town s appearance.

Chairman of Bexhill In Bloom, Sandra Melvin, chose her 10 personal favourites from the local contest entries, backed by committee approval, to award them special Certificates of Achievement for their contribution to the town s award.

These were presented by the Town Mayor, Cllr Joanne Gadd, at Monday s special ceremony and buffet lunch.

Bexhill High School Eco Club was presented with the Crest Cup and a 40 voucher for equipment for their ecological project, while runners-up Battle Abbey Prep School received a certificate.

Other certificate winners were: the Irvine Unit at Bexhill Hospital; the Tourist Information Centre; Mrs Joan Coe, of Belgrave; Mrs Judy White, St James Crescent; Mr Anthony Burton, Sidley Green; The Cane Tree, Western Road; Sackville Methodist Church; Little Common Business Association and Mrs Pauline Bullock, representing The Old Town.