THE horticultural talents of Farnham’s green-fingered community have been celebrated at a special Farnham in Bloom 25th anniversary awards ceremony.

Having won gold and ‘best in category’ for its ‘large town’ entry and gold for the ‘town centre’ category, Farnham Town Council wanted to say a big thank you to everybody who contributed towards the result.

The event began with a celebration of the efforts of the next generation of gardeners. Farnham in Bloom 2015 has been very well supported by the school community with 16 schools planting hanging baskets and others taking part in the ‘secret garden’ competition. Around 60 children were present at the schools’ presentation.

Later in the evening, more than 90 people attended the community presentation, which was hosted by gold sponsor Squire’s Garden Centre. The Mayor of Farnham, Pat Frost and representatives from the main sponsoring businesses, including corporate sponsor Bob Frost from BBS Ltd supplier of Magimix products, awarded prizes to winners of the ‘secret garden’competition and the allotments competition.

Mrs Frost said: “Farnham in Bloom is about so much more than flowers. Every year we see greater numbers of people wanting to get involved and finding ingenious ways in which to do so. This year a local artist came up with the idea of getting the community involved in free, flower-themed collage-making workshops.

“We also saw a local dance company called The Dance Movement choreographing a dance to celebrate 25 years of Farnham in Bloom. This wonderful dance was performed to the In Bloom judges by 150 local children.”

“Alongside the community involvement we also have the support of around 70 sponsors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their generosity – without them it would not be possible for Farnham in Bloom to be quite so successful.”

She added: “During our anniversary year we should also take time to remember how Farnham in Bloom came about. It is thanks to local businessman Ken Kent who was the 1990 chairman of the Farnham Visitors’ Council, that our town looks so stunning each year.

“He had a vision to make Farnham a beautiful place for all by bringing flowers into the town, which he has certainly achieved. Although Ken was unable to attend the evening, it was an honour to recognise his contribution by awarding him with the Mayor’s Special Award.”