Parish Goes Gold in the South & South East in Bloom Competition

A tortuous 2 hour journey around the M25 to RHS Wisley on Friday proved to be worthwhile as the Parish Chairman, Councillor Stacey Brown, accompanied by Councillor Deborah Bowman, were presented, on behalf of the Parish Council, with a Gold Award in this year’s South & South East in Bloom Competition.

In awarding Wilmington Parish Council 89 out of a possible 100 marks the judge commented that – ‘Wilmington Parish Council is a well-managed Parish with excellent open spaces such as Oakfield Park, The Common, Chestnut Grove, allotments in Oakfield Park and a good array of private front gardens. The Memorial and Rose Bed, dedicated to the fallen, add to the overall attractiveness. The Parish Council has several good examples of wildflower areas and is working to increase biodiversity wherever possible. New benches and bins have been added this year. Some dedicated to former Councillors. The wildflower bed has been a success again this year. The single-handed groundsman maintains very high standards throughout and deserves congratulations. {particularly noteworthy is the children’s allotment, where young people can participate in growing vegetables. The Council continues to maintain a small village feel with a natural outlook. Residents are proud of their Parish, and the award level has increased this year’

Councillor Brown said that – ‘Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering this achievement, across agencies, communities, schools, individuals, charities, churches, community centres and many more within our fantastic Parish. Alongside Mark, our Parish Groundsman, and Ian, our Parish Clerk, this award belongs to all of the residents of the Parish.

Councillor Brown added – ‘Wilmington’s history, heritage, cleanliness, open spaces, general appearance and upkeep was regarded as delivering this year’s Gold Award, up from the Silver Gilt achieved in 2023’.

The only suggestion made by the S&SEiB Judge for the Parish to develop would be to increase areas for wildlife through sowing and the addition of hibernacula. A suggestion that the Members of the Council will look to implement in the coming year.