THE results of months of hard work and continued support by volunteers and sponsors of Farnham in Bloom was on show and ready to be scrutinised when the chairman and a trustee of South and South East in Bloom visited the town.

Accompanied by the mayor and mayoress, John and Gillian Ward, representatives of the Farnham in Bloom community group and Farnham Town Council, the judges were taken on a horticultural tour of the town by Hoppa bus.

It was a tour that included The Bourne Beautification Project, West Street Allotments, Bishop’s Meadow, Potters Gate and Castle Street. Having been met by the town crier at Castle Street, the judging party and their guides continued on foot to Borelli Yard, Central car park, Gostrey Meadow and South Street before finishing at Victoria Garden.

“It was an exhausting day for the judges but they enjoyed the tour and said it was a delight to revisit Farnham and see the huge community effort” said Iain Lynch, town clerk at Farnham Town Council.

“As always it is hard to pick a highlight but the children at Potters Gate School treated the judges to their home-grown raspberries and strawberries and showed off their gardening knowledge and the beautiful floral projects they had created.

“As well as making sure the judges saw stunning visual displays throughout, the tour included a wide range of In Bloom projects from many different groups in our community.”

Among others, the judges met allotment holders, conservation volunteers, representatives from Waverley Borough Council and its contractors who help look after local green spaces plus members of Post 19, a community group for young people with learning difficulties.

Iain added: “On behalf of Farnham Town Council and Farnham in Bloom we would like to thank the many, many volunteers and community groups who have helped make Farnham in Bloom a success.

“I would also like to thank all of our sponsors, and in particular our corporate sponsor BBS Ltd, for their help and support.

“We could not have taken part in the competition and put together such a fantastic entry without the financial support and support-in-kind that the sponsors provide.”

Volunteers worked right up to the last minute to make sure the town looked its best, and AMYA UK a Muslim young people’s organisation in Tilford, carried out another litter-pick just ahead of the visit by the judges.