This in from Laura, in her own words. Ed
The 2014 Wight in Bloom Awards Presentation took place on Saturday 16th August at The Parish Town Hall in Newport with the winners of the six categories announced by Jonathan Green, Red Funnel’s Marketing & Communications Director.
Jo Cox from East Cowes was the overall winner and received a beautiful glass trophy whilst category winners were each given a Red Funnel short-break return trip for a car + 7 people. Those who came in second place received a £40 gift voucher. Northwood School also received a special prize of a return Red Funnel ferry trip for a whole class.
Sponsored by Red Funnel
Wight in Bloom is a much treasured competition which has been running for many years. It sees local communities work together to plant, prune and dress local gardens and communal spaces, ready to be judged by Peggy Jarman and her green-fingered team.
This year’s competition had been in doubt due to lack of sponsorship but Red Funnel came to the rescue to ensure the Island kept hold of this horticultural highlight. Red Funnel’s sponsorship of Wight in Bloom enabled voluntary groups to buy plants for their communities and gave Islanders a chance to display the Isle of Wight at its colourful best to the influx of summer tourists.
Plans for bigger and better competition
Red Funnel has confirmed that it will continue its sponsorship of Wight in Bloom to help make next year bigger and even better.
Jonathan Green commented:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to sponsor Wight in Bloom and I would like to publically thank Peggy Jarman and her team of volunteers for organising such a fantastic competition. The standard of entries has been amazing and it has helped the Island look its very best this summer.”
Peggy Jarman, Wight in Bloom organiser, said:
“It was really tough to choose the winners for the competition this year, as there were so many incredible entrants. A new standard has been set for next year and we are thrilled to have Red Funnel on board once again.”
The winners
The full list of 2014 winners is as follows: –
Best overall winner:
Jo Cox from East Cowes
Best small front garden:
1st place – Gail Stephenson from Colwell Bay
Joint 2nd place – Albert Buckingham and Linda Ryan, both from Sandown
Best large front garden:
1st place – Hilary Wellsted from Bembridge
2nd place – Gordon Kinpe from Sandown
Best public house/hotel/guest house/restaurant/business:
1st place – The Whitehouse in Sandown
2nd place – Puckpool Tea Gardens in Seaview
Best senior citizen complex/nursing home/care home:
1st place – Columbus House in Lake
2nd place – Coburg Retirement Complex in East Cowes
Best young people initiative:
1st place – Northwood School in Cowes
2nd place – Atkinson House in Newport
Best community floral project:
1st place – Ryde Town Council
2nd place – Cowes Town Council
Article edits:
First and second place for Best large front garden were swapped.
