This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Historic Ventnor Park has been recognised once again with a top award at the annual South and South East England in Bloom Awards 2015 – achieving gold medal status for the third year running.
At the Southern Water-sponsored awards held at the Amex Stadium, Brighton, Ventnor Park was one of only five parks to achieve the status in the whole region, stretching from Kent to Dorset.
Isle of Wight Council parks manager, Nigel Leppard, received the award on behalf of the council, along with Stan Hayden, contract manager for John O’Conner Ltd (IW). The park is maintained by John O’Conner Ltd via its partnership contract with the council.
The awards were co-hosted by Jim Buttress from the BBC’s The Big Allotment Challenge, and celebrity gardener Chris Collins.
Third consecutive year
Last year, as well as receiving a gold medal certificate, Ventnor Park was named park of the year. It also received a gold medal in 2013.
Ventnor Park dates from the 19th century and covers an area of about seven acres. It features landscaped grounds over a range of different levels, with mature trees, shrubs, herbaceous and bedding borders, a bandstand, a stream with gentle falls and water fowl, a putting green (under concession), and an adult outdoor exercise equipment area.
Major regional recognition
Executive member with responsibility for the public realm, Councillor Paul Fuller, said:
“Once again Ventnor Park has achieved major regional recognition at these top awards – and I would like to congratulate all those involved in its upkeep, and who ensure it is such an attractive place to visit.”
The judges for the awards look at each entry’s horticulture and gardening efforts, the approach to environmental responsibility and community participation.
Southern Water’s water efficiency manager, Ben Earl, said:
“This is a great competition that celebrates the south east and its beautiful places and spaces.
“Southern Water has been a proud sponsor of the event for over a decade and a half and in that time we have been able to help thousands of gardeners save water through the promotion of water efficiency.”
Image: © Used with permission of Mike V
