Seaford in Bloom

Seaford in Bloom Awards 2004

The Eleventh Seaford in Bloom Awards Ceremony took place at the Barn Theatre Seaford on Friday 13th August, the second time the event has been held at this venue. Chairman Isabel Stephenson welcomed the Mayor Cllr Ken Davies, the Mayoress Mrs Doreen Davies, town clerk Len Fisher, other Town Councillors and the 80 Seafordians present. She knew there was another small event in Athens competing for attention on the night but was sure that Len Fisher would "light our flame" as he chaired the Gardener's Question Time that was to precede the Awards.
Len introduced the panel, Ashley Stephenson L.V.O. and Archie Skinner, retired Head Gardener of Sheffield Park. There followed 60 minutes of light hearted but informative discussion during which time a variety of subjects were discussed including whitefly, blue ladybirds, earwigs, tomato blight, horse manure and a black butterfly with white spots. At last year's event Len Fisher ate a sour crab apple brought along to support a gardening question but he was thankful this year that the only object produced was a lacecap hydrangea in a pot.
After a refreshment break, Isabel thanked everyone for their help and support in the three fund raising events held this year. She expressed her gratitude, on behalf of Seaford in Bloom, to Seaford Town Council, who always give their full support, especially Len who is "always there" for Seaford in Bloom, Lewes District Council and the various Seaford societies and organisations who continue to support us. Isabel thought the town's floral displays were better than ever despite the storms earlier this summer. Seaford in Bloom is constantly trying to improve the town's displays, and there are four new sites this year with floral containers. She hoped there would be many new entries in the Floral Competition next year as without entries there would be no competition to judge and therefore no Awards Ceremony. Isabel thanked the Seaford in Bloom judges, Ashley, John and Philip, and her committee and their spouses for all the hard work they do for the benefit of the town. The Mayor then commenced the awards ceremony, congratulating all the individual prize-winners. Carole Tidy, Stephen Newberry and Patrick McCausland personally presented their donated award trophies to the respective winners. The Patrick McCausland Trophy for special contribution to Seaford in Bloom went to the judges John Ottaway and Philip Pople who have always so generously given their time and expertise in judging the Floral Competition. There is a new award this year, the Mayors Cup, to be awarded for helping to improve the ambience of Seaford. This year it was won by the Regency Restaurant in High Street for their consistently excellent floral displays all the year round that help to brighten up the town especially in the dark Winter months.
	After presenting the awards, the Mayor thanked Seaford in Bloom for inviting him to present the Trophies, especially as he liked being surrounded by silverware and gathered as much around him as he could. He was proud to be Mayor of a town that included so many organisations, Seaford in Bloom being the most visible, that "raised awareness of Seafordness".

Following are the results for Seaford In Bloom Awards 2004

Allotments 1. Mr P. Armiger
2. Mr M. Graham-Hythe
3. Mr E. Crouch

Shop Front 1. Regency Restaurant
2. J.K.Pope & Sons

Warden Assisted Flats 1. Ashleigh Glegg House
2. Hometye House

Container Garden (Private) 1. Mr & Mrs P. & D. Argyle (Seaford In Bloom Container Cup)
2. Mr A.W.James
3. Margaret Ince

Hanging Basket (Private) 1. Mr & Mrs Mayhew (Carole Electra Cup)
2. Doris Kingshott
3. Mr R.C.Jones

Hanging Basket (Commercial) 1. Seaford Health Centre (Park Lane Property Letting Cup)
2. The Old Plough
3. Regency Restaurant

Best Street Or Close 1. Sandore Road, Odd Numbers (Seaford In Bloom Cup)
2. Victor Close
3. Vicarage Close

Best Public House 1. The Old Plough (Seaford Fencing Cup)
2. The Old Boot Inn

Best Back Garden 1. Mr Ashley Maskell (Stephen Newberry Cup)
2. Mr & Mrs Porteous
3. Mr R.C.Jones

Best Front Garden 1. Mrs D.Williamson (Seaford Residents Cup)
2. Mr & Mrs J.Bunclack
3. Mr B.Carter

Best Shop Window 1. Bishopstone Nurseries (Seaford In Bloom Jubilee Cup)

Best Plant Interest Mr R.C.Jones (Plantsmans Cup)

Best Commercial Entry Regency Restaurant (Chamber Of Commerce Cup)

Best Overall Entry Mr Ashley Maskell (Newlands Cup)

Patrick McCausland Trophy (Special Contribution To Seaford In Bloom)
John Ottaway & Philip Pople (SIB Judges)

Mayor's Cup (For enhancing the Ambience of Seaford) Regency Restaurant