Pictured above, Brampton Abbotts School, Willows Rest Garden gained an Outstanding Achievement Certificate. The judges commented,
"This project began five years ago and due to the enthusiasm of Louise Williams and the very strong PTFA, a considerable amount of money has been raised - in excess of £10,000. The School garden offers peace, via a well-used Willow Tunnel, environmental study areas and a play area with picnic sites. All of the school children, and not least the Gardening Club, use the space in many varied ways. Macmillan Nurses fund raising days add another dimension. Perhaps more signage about what is happening in the garden for the benefit of the children and visitors alike, along with more litter bins and looking at saving water by harnessing run off from the nearby school roof for example".

Brampton School have also been awarded a Silver Gilt in the new Children's Awards sponsored by the Ross Gazette for Ross-in-Bloom this year. Mary Sinclair Powell collected the award on their behalf and will be presenting it to them shortly.

Ross Court gained a Merit Award. "This is a private residential home which has been in existence for some years. A survey was undertaken, canvassing the need of the residents, which led to five new features - Peace, Scent, Colour, Memories and Cool. Clock Golf for some of the more able is on its way. Several residents help the professional gardening team in the front garden areas and a wonderful summerhouse. Consideration of water saving schemes and finding ways of sharing the gardens with the wider community would complete the picture". Ross Court representatives were able to collect the award. They were really thrilled to accept it. This was a wonderful result considering the mess the gardens were in last year due to building work. They have come a long way in such a short space of time. Ross-in-Bloom were able to award them a Silver Gilt in the 'Retired Community' competition.

The Friends Meeting House Ancient Burial Grounds were also given a Merit Award. "This ancient area is being lovingly tended by the current custodians of the Meeting House and Gardens, Julia and Norman Richardson. The mixed herbaceous and annual borders are a delight, and they are encouraging the public to make use of this haven of peace, not only by the inviting signage at the entrance but also by inviting neighbouring schools to visit. The garden is a gem behind closed walls and efforts should continue to promote it".

The gardens were entered into two Ross-in-Bloom competitions this year and they achieved Gold for the best Secret Garden and the Best Community Commercial Premises. Members were able to collect the award themselves at Trentham Gardens. They will also be attending the Herefordshire in Bloom Awards this month to see how they have fared, having been winners in the Community Competition last year.

Finally, Nursery Road Community Gardens also received a Merit for the extremely hard work put in, mainly by Rita Haggett on this major entrance to the town. "There is a wonderful display of colour in this garden, shared not only with the participating residents, but also with the hundreds of visitors and motorists who pass them daily. Mrs Haggett and her husband are the driving force behind this entry and they are to be congratulated on their efforts".

Everybody, including the Heart of England in Bloom Judges, has noticed the garden grow every year and they have consistently won the Best Street Award in Ross-in-Bloom. Mary collected the award on behalf of Rita and managed to get it to her before she went off on a well-deserved holiday for a few days. The gardens are also entered in the Herefordshire Competition, the results of which will be announced in two weeks time, as will the local Street Awards.

Jacky Bedford Chairman of Ross-in-Bloom is delighted with these and the Gold result. "We have finally got Ross to the top in many ways," she said. "The in Bloom Competition is a Community Event, which the Community has certainly excelled at this year. I would like to thank not just the four entries to the Neighbourhood Awards but also all of those who took part to make sure the town was clean and tidy and having great fun for Judging Day. We have all done extraordinarily well as a town and I hope this will mean we can all pull together for the future and do it all again".

The local Presentation Evening, with secret results as well as those already known being announced will be taking place on 18th September, with the results of entries in the Herefordshire Competitions being announced the following evening. If anybody would like to attend the Herefordshire evening, with Gardeners Question Time, they are welcome to contact Mary Powell before 16th September and their name will be added to the list. The Ross-in-Bloom AGM will be on Wednesday 26th October. Full details of this, and how volunteers can help on the committee will be printed nearer the time.