On Monday 30th September Natalie Bainbridge, chair of Oswestry In Bloom, welcomed a full house to The Memorial Hall for the annual Award Presentation.
There were over 100 individual awards in 15 categories, with almost 80 being presented on the night. There were also special awards for individuals and groups. The categories ranged from Best Hanging Basket to Best Large Back Garden. Local community groups and young people were also recognised.
Oswestry In Bloom is run by a committee of volunteers and supported by Oswestry Town Council. For the first time, this year each category was sponsored by a local business, and a representative from each was invited to present the certificates and trophies.
Natalie opened the evening saying “We are here tonight to celebrate not only the beauty and creativity that our community brings but also the dedication and hard work that fuels our shared vision of a greener, more vibrant Oswestry. Today’s awards are to celebrate the hard work and creativity of all who have participated. Our gardens and floral displays do more than just brighten our streets, they foster a sense of pride, enrich our environment, and bring us all closer together. It’s through these acts of community spirit and environmental stewardship that we create a more welcoming and beautiful place to live.”
Introduced in 2023 the award for Young Gardener was hotly contested and host for the evening, ex BBC Radio Shropshire presenter, James Bond gave details of the wonderful work that they have been doing.
The presentation evening came hot on the heels of the announcement that Oswestry had picked up Gold and Best Large Town in The Heart of England In Bloom Awards. This means that in 2025 Oswestry will be representing the West Midlands as Large Town in Britain In Bloom, an accolade to the hard work of the In Bloom volunteers and the Cae Glas Park Team.
Committee member, and Services & Admin Officer at Oswestry Town Council, Louise Humphreys said “It was lovely to be part of last night’s Oswestry In Bloom Presentation with businesses, residents and community groups all receiving Awards for their hard work in making Oswestry a ‘Blooming’ good place to live, work and visit. Special thanks to all the sponsors, judges and especially the volunteers who have all helped Oswestry win Best Large Town in the Heart of England region for the third year running. We are looking forward to working with everyone again in 2025 to welcome the National Britain in Bloom judges and show them what we can achieve by working and ‘growing together’.”
You can stay up to date on all Oswestry In Bloom activities by visiting their social media pages or on their website www.oswestryinbloom.wordpress.com.
Best Large Back Garden Mr Wilkinson with sponsor Roché Awnings.
Best Large Back Garden Mr Wilkinson with sponsor Roché Awnings.
Best Town Centre Display BluestoneX presented by Adele Nightingale Oswestry BID.
Best Town Centre Display BluestoneX presented by Adele Nightingale Oswestry BID.
Best Kitchen Garden Mel Evans with Judge Gareth Manning.
Special Award for Sue Cameron and the Park Team.
Photo Credit: Graham Mitchell