The Seaford in Bloom Awards Ceremony 2008 was held at Dean’s Place, Alfriston on Wednesday 20^th August, the first time the event has been held at this venue.

Chairman Isabel Stephenson welcomed the Deputy Mayor Cllr Tracy Willis and 100 Seafordians to this new venue and thanked Dean’s Place for hosting the event.  Isabel then introduced Ashley Stephenson L.V.O who presented an entertaining slide show on Seaford’s floral displays and many beautiful gardens.  Some of the views were from this year’s Seaford in Bloom Floral Competition entries.  Ashley gave a very informative and interesting presentation, during which he amazingly quoted from memory, the complicated Latin names of many plants that would thrive and provide all year round colour and interest in Seaford’s coastal climate.

There was a wonderful display of Open Gardens this year and the money raised broke all records.  Isabel thanked all the owners for their efforts and appealed for some new gardens for next year. 

The awards were then presented by the Deputy Mayor who congratulated each of the individual prizewinners.  One of the most popular recipients was wheelchair bound 97 year old Nora Beynon who, on behalf of Westerleigh Nursing Home, accepted both the Warden Assisted Flats award and the Chamber of Commerce Cup for Best Commercial Entry.  Nora is a resident at Westerleigh and an active member of the garden club there.  She advised her fellow green fingered enthusiasts on the seed sowing and planting that helped to secure this year’s first prize.

The Mayor’s Cup for “outstanding effort to enhance Seaford” was collected by Tree Warden Keith Blackburn for his tree conservation efforts in Seaford which include the planting of young sorbus trees at the Buckle bypass.

The Patrick McCausland Trophy deservedly went to Tony Osborne for special contribution to Seaford in Bloom.

Light Hearted Moment

L to R - SIB Vice Chairman Ida Staples, Ashley Stephenson,
Seaford Town Clerk Len Fisher and Isabel Stephenson

After the awards the Deputy Mayor thanked Seaford in Bloom for inviting her to present the Trophies and, on behalf of Seaford Town Council, she thanked the Committee for all their hard work in providing the colourful baskets and containers that continue to make Seaford such a beautiful town.  This year the vibrant floral displays have really brought the town to life.
Finally Isabel thanked Len Fisher for always being there for us during his 10 year career as Seaford Town Clerk.  Len is about to retire from the post and, on behalf of her Committee, she presented him with two specially selected and unusual plants as a “thank you” for his past help, and a reminder of SIB for years to come.

Isabel closed the evening with a reminder of the next fund raising event “A Quiz Night with Organic Sausage and Mash” to be held at St Leonard’s Hall on Friday 7^th November.  Tickets will soon be on sale and teams of four are required.  Details will be posted around the town.