Ventnor's Flower Fairy presented with Certificate of Excellence Award by South and South East In Bloom Chairman (updated)

The Ventnor Flower Fairy‘s smile reached even higher across her cheeks today (Wednesday) after the InBloom Judge presented her with a Certificate of Excellence Award.

The award was presented in recognition of the incredible efforts Lesley Brown (aka the Ventnor Flower Fairy) has made over the last couple of years helping to improve the town’s flora for bees and other pollinators.

Transforming dull areas into blooming beauties
Readers will remember reports published last year of Lesley’s incredible efforts turning a weed-infested flowerbed by the side of the Ventnor Winter Gardens into a blooming haven for bees.

Click on images to see larger versions

*Some of the planting on St Boniface Road by the community allotments*

Once complete she then shifted her attention to other parts of the town, including by the side of the BT building, planting a strip of wildflowers outside the North Street playground and more.

Recognition for efforts
News OnTheWight had last year suggested to Mike Fitt – former Director of Parks for London’s Royal Parks, as well as InBloom Judge, South and South East InBloom Ambassador and a Trustee of London In Bloom – that a special recognition award for Lesley’s efforts would be a great way to acknowledge her positive contribution to the town.

Presenting the award at Ventnor’s community allotments this morning, Mike started by saying,

“When we were growing up we all believed fairies lived at bottom of garden, but never thought we’d meet one.”

He went on to add,

“All over the country people are doing things to improve their areas. Never have I come across someone with the tenacity, generosity and motivation to do it like Lesley.”

Brown: I feel very proud of everybody involved
Following the presentation, Lesley told News OnTheWight,

“I couldn’t have done it without the help of Graham Middleton and all people who came to the quiz in February, the business who donated raffle prizes and two or three volunteers.
“I feel very proud of everybody that has been part of that and will try to be ‘excellent’ for any other year.”

Fitt: News spread far and wide
Mike told News OnTheWight,

“I was very pleased to play a part in the recognition of Lesley’s amazing work in beautifying Ventnor’s green and grey spaces.
“The story of Lesley’s endeavours have been published in the latest edition of the London In Bloom/South and South East In Bloom newsletter.
“This includes an article written by Phil Warren (pictured above) and has gone out to all those individuals and organisations that participate in the In Bloom competitions, across London and the South and South East.”