READING has been awarded a prestigious gold award in the annual Britain in Bloom community gardening competition.
The competition is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and judges announced the winners of each category, and the final scores, at an awards ceremony held at the RHS Lindley Hall in London on Friday October 26.
The judges visited the town in July and were impressed with the work that had been carried out to “unite communities, volunteers and gardeners".
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They said their Reading tour most certainly had “a wow factor and showed consistently the heritage, horticultural, community and business passion that unites this entry".
There was praise for displays in Caversham Court Gardens, the Forbury and the Abbey Ruins and for the town centre and Oracle Shopping Centre’s floral displays.
The judges summarised Reading’s entry.
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They said: “From the town centre BID, The Oracle shopping centre, the gardening and street teams along with community groups, schools and a very committed Borough team and Reading in Bloom committee.
"The support demonstrated has highlighted that Reading is going from strength to strength and this dedication has been reflected in awarding of a RHS Britain in Bloom Gold Medal.”
Marc Allridge, Reading in Bloom’s Chairman, said: “The whole Reading in Bloom committee is delighted with this result – it is an amazing achievement.
“I am particularly pleased as this is my first year as chairman.
"Reading really did blossom this year from the private and community gardens to businesses and allotments and the judges saw a town that really embraces its green spaces.
"We may be a hi tech city in all but name but we still allow nature to flourish.
"We thank all who contributed to our success even in a small way, and to our sponsors and supporters.
"Everyone can be very proud.”
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Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Member for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said: “This is an fantastic accolade for Reading and one we should be extremely proud of.
"To achieve gold in the national awards for the first time is wonderful news for the town.
"I’m particularly pleased the judges noted the work we’ve carried out on sustainability and biodiversity throughout the borough.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of many organisations and individuals and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved.
"Our success is a testament to the great partnership work between the Reading in Bloom Committee, local residents, schools and Reading’s gardening community, alongside our business community and Reading Council, all pulling together to show our civic pride at its best!”
This is Reading’s first ever gold in the RHS national ‘City’ category, following its Silver Gilt Award in the national competition in 2018.
Reading also achieved an overall Silver Gilt First in Category Award in the 2019 Regional Award Thames and Chiltern (City Category).
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