|
The 2010 Seaford in Bloom Awards Ceremony took place at
Dean’s Place Hotel, Alfriston on Thursday 19th August. This is the third year
running that the prizes for the Seaford in Bloom Floral Competition have been
presented at this venue.
|
|
Chairman Isabel Stephenson welcomed more than 100 invited
guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Seaford, Cllr Bob Allen and his wife
Jill.
The evening began with
a return of ‘Gardener’s Question Time’ chaired by Len Fisher. He introduced the
pundits, Ashley Stephenson L.V.O. and Ray Waites from RHS Wisley. There followed
40 minutes of light hearted but informative questions, during which a
wide-ranging number of horticultural subjects were discussed. From :- Tomatoes,
Apples, Agapanthus, Bindweed, invasive tree roots (which included a serious
Sumac tree problem), Dutch Elm disease, the Pyramidal Hornbeam tree and the
Sorbus Aria tree - to plants that can survive in seaside gardens.
|
The guests are made welcome |
The Panel:- Ashley Stephenson, Len Fisher & Ray Waites
|
After a refreshment break, Isabel reminded the audience of
more than 100 horticultural enthusiasts, that this was the 20th anniversary of
Seaford in Bloom. This year there has been an even greater appreciation of the
floral displays in town, and the Tourist Office has on several occasions passed
on comments by visitors and residents on the excellence of the displays.
|
|
The ‘Open Gardens Day 2010’ was a great success and, in
spite of competition from other fund raising events in Seaford, more money was
raised than last year. Isabel thanked all the kind people who opened their
gardens, the volunteers who manned the gates and everyone who came along to give
their support.
|
|
Isabel expressed her gratitude to Seaford Town Council who
continue to lend their support, particularly with the cost of watering the
floral containers.
She also thanked the Rotary Club of Seaford for sponsoring
this awards event, Dean’s Place for hosting it, and all the different Seaford
businesses, societies, clubs and associations who so generously give their
support and sponsorship each year. The help from these organisations and the
events held by Seaford in Bloom throughout the year provide the funds for the
containers and baskets in the town and for their maintenance. Final thanks went
to her committee who always give her great support in more ways than one.
|
Isabel begins the Awards Presentation
|
|
Isabel then began the Awards presentation. There were more entries than ever for
this year’s Floral Competition. The judges: Ashley Stephenson, John Ottaway and
Phillip Pople managed to visit 44 gardens, in order to judge over 100 entries.
Isabel gratefully thanked them for their 11 hours of hard work.
|
SIB Vice-Chairman Ida Staples with the table floral
displays
|
The awards were then presented by the Mayor who congratulated each of the prize
winners. There was a big cheer when the Mayor’s Cup for “Outstanding effort to
enhance Seaford” went to Frankie’s Refreshment Kiosk, which is situated on
Seaford promenade. Despite the unlikely and difficult location, they have really
enhanced this seafront area, by creating a small tropical garden on the beach
and providing a sand pit for children to play in. Geoff Stonebanks also received
loud applause when he was awarded both the “Best Back Garden” and “Best Overall
Entry” trophies. The Patrick McCausland Trophy was awarded to John Lockyer and
Arthur Bradbury for the generous time thay have given over the years by
organising many successful fund raising events for Seaford in Bloom.
After the awards the Mayor, on behalf of Seaford Town
Council, thanked Seaford in Bloom for all the work they have done over the last
20 years, helping to make Seaford such a colourful town, which must help to
attract more visitors. He was delighted that the Council had voted to
grant financial help with the watering costs this year.
|
Isabel closed the evening with a reminder that the next SIB fund raising event
“A Quiz Night with Organic Sausage and Mash” will be held at St Leonard’s Church
Hall on Friday 29th October. Tickets will soon be on sale and teams of four are
needed. Details will be posted around the town.
|
The 2010 Prize Winners
|
