Bumper crop of entries in Malmesbury in Bloom helps keep town colourful

Budding artists and green-fingered gardeners were rewarded for their hard work at the prizegiving for the annual Malmesbury in Bloom competition, organised by Malmesbury Town Council.

Mayor Cllr Gavin Grant presented cups, prizes and certificates at the Town Hall, commenting that it was his favourite evening of the year.

“We have a beautiful town and many people work very hard to make sure it stays beautiful,” he said. “All around the town are fantastic gardens, window boxes and hanging baskets which all contribute to welcoming the many visitors we have, and this takes a huge amount of effort.”

The competition had two elements. A gardening competition, whose categories included best large garden, best small/courtyard garden, best commercial premises and best vegetable patch. Alongside, a children’s art competition with different age categories, from the 12s and over to the under 4s. Judging the children’s artwork were former teachers Rose Scanlon and Suzanne Tennant.

Commenting on the children’s artwork, Cllr Grant said: “We had a record number of entries in the children’s categories and they should all be very proud of their work. The judges had a tremendously hard time picking the winners. All the young people have done a brilliant job. We would also like to thank Newsquest for sponsoring the prizes in this competition.”

Judging the gardening competition once again was Piers Lavan, who runs Hortico Plant Centre, Sherston. He said his task became more difficult each year, with such a high standard of entries. He also urged neighbours to enter the street/road category next year. 

“There are so many places in the town which jointly make a big effort and could have won if only they’d entered.”

Overall winner of the Terry Soule Cup was Michael's Butchers, Bistro and Deli owned by Michael and Sandy Thomas. 

Piers said: “This makes such a great visual impact, using just a small amount of available space.”

Piers himself was presented with an Outstanding Services to Malmesbury in Bloom award, as was Shaun Bleaken, who looks after the town’s many hanging baskets and floral displays.