FARNHAM has fought off competition from towns and cities across the South East to represent the region in the 2019 RHS Britain in Bloom UK finals.

The town has been invited to enter the categories for town centres, city centres and business improvement districts (BIDs) for the south and south east of England.

“This is the fourth time Britain in Bloom has invited Farnham to represent our region in these extremely prestigious national awards,” said Stephen Hill, Farnham Town Council’s lead member for Farnham in Bloom.

“It’s a fantastic achievement and a credit to the volunteers, sponsors and supporters who make Farnham in Bloom better and better each year.

“We will be pulling out all the stops this year to show the UK what a wonderful town Farnham is. But we need new volunteers. Please get in touch if you would like to be a part of this year’s team of volunteers.

“People are needed for planting, deadheading, watering, weeding and other practical tasks. Complete novices are welcome as are keen gardeners; enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in is what we need.”

In preparation for the competition, members of Farnham in Bloom will be taking part in a Britain in Bloom seminar in Manchester to find out more about this year’s judging criteria and to meet other entrants.

The organisers of Farnham in Bloom – Farnham Town Council and the Farnham in Bloom Community Group – have already started planning community activities, planting schemes and clean-up events across the town. These include a Bloomin’ Big Meet on February 11, the Great British Spring Clean of the town centre on March 30, Bloomin’ Kids Gardening Workshops on April 9 and April 11, and a greenhouse open day on May 22.

Farnham was previously invited to enter the prestigious Britain in Bloom national competition in 2017 when the town won gold and was named joint winner of the large town category.

Judging will take place between July 29 and August 9. Anyone interested in volunteering should call 01252 712667 or e-mail [email protected].