South Swindon in Bloom is celebrating an impressive collection of national, regional and community gardening awards.
From left: Alan Holland, Dan Fishlock, Linda Kasmaty, Josie Slade, Steve Hills, Holly Barand and Sadie Calder, with In Bloom judge Jon Wheatley, second left, at the regional South West In Bloom awards. (Picture: Zachary Wiegand)
The awards recognise the shared enthusiasm, generosity and year-round commitment of hundreds of volunteers across the parish.
South Swindon won the hotly contested National RHS Community Engagement Award at the. Britain in Bloom ceremony in Rochdale Town Hall.
The national award followed a rigorous selection process, with a specialist panel considering South Swindon's written assessment, video and wider community activities.
The RHS praised the collaboration that brings people together and strengthens community resilience.
Three days later, at the South West in Bloom awards in Newquay, further recognition followed: Gold in Champion of Champions, the overall Champion of Champions title and cup, the prestigious Glendale Sponsors Award for the most meritorious entry, and RHS Best Landscaping Award for Town Gardens.
Alongside these honours came RHS It's Your Neighbourhood awards for 34 community gardens and three It's Your School awards.
South Swindon in Bloom brought together community gardening groups, volunteers and supporters to celebrate their achievements at a special It's Your Neighbourhood awards ceremony.
South Swindon has more community gardening groups than anywhere else in the South West, with over 33 groups contributing to the area's success.
The ceremony recognised the hard work, dedication and achievements of the volunteers who maintain and improve green spaces across the parish.
The celebration highlighted the collective effort behind South Swindon's five major awards at this year's Britain in Bloom competitions, recognising that these achievements would not have been possible without the contribution of local community groups.
Behind these achievements are more than 200 volunteers working across 37 community sites and schools.
Their generosity transforms local spaces, supports wildlife and builds friendships, confidence and belonging.
Plants are grown and shared, knowledge passed on, and newcomers encouraged to lend a hand.
Through Swindon Schools Grow Together, connections between schools, community growers and allotment groups also help children discover gardening and take pride in their surroundings.
South Swindon in Bloom says that above all, these awards recognise the volunteers whose quiet dedication makes it happen.
A spokesperson said: "Every seed sown, plant watered and welcoming conversation contributes to something worth celebrating: schools, gardens and communities growing side by side.
"South Swindon in Bloom is encouraging more residents, businesses and organisations to get involved and help build on this year's achievements.
For more information or to get involved with South Swindon in Bloom, people can contact:
- Linda Kasmaty – Old Town and Lawn Parish Cllr: [email protected]
- Community Involvement Enquiries: communities [email protected]
- www.southswindoninbloom.co.uk
- www.facebook.com/southswindoninbloom
- Instagram: @southswindoninbloom
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