Riviera International Conference Centre

24 September 2009
Gardening fans flock to Bay for UK in Bloom ceremony

HUNDREDS of Britain's keenest gardening enthusiasts have flocked to the English Riviera for the presentation of the national awards to Britain's best kept towns and villages.

Finalists from villages, towns and cities across the UK are due at the Riviera International Conference Centre last night for the prestigious ceremony which is the highlight of the 2009 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom.

The competition has grown into one of the largest environmental campaigns in Europe involving local communities, with 450 people attending the ceremony.

Torbay hosts the national competition just days after successfully scooping 13 awards in this year's South West in Bloom competition ( four more than last year) .

However, no South Devon towns or villages were in the running for national awards.

It is the first time the awards have been hosted by Torbay.

Councillor Dave Butt, the councillor with responsibility for parks and open spaces, said: "It's a great honour to be chosen to host this year's RHS awards and represents the high regard in which Torbay is held within the horticultural world.

"It is a fantastic tribute to everyone who has played a role in attracting this event to Torbay and to those who have helped ensure our displays are looking their best.

"We would like to thank our main sponsors, Kompan Ltd and Ashford Solicitors as well as Amberol Ltd, Plandscape, Marketing Force, Plants Direct South West, Lea Park Nursery, Len Croney and Sutton Seeds for their support."

Stephanie Eynon, RHS community horticulture manager, said: "With such an impressive amount of green space and a rich horticultural heritage, Torbay is a truly fitting place to hold the ceremony."

Courtesy of Herald Express
Thursday, September 24, 2009, 08:57

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