Exmouth’s blooming marvellous!

KEEN gardeners were rewarded for their blooming marvellous work with floral displays at an awards evening.

More than 20 prizes were handed out to winners of the Exmouth in Bloom group’s 2010 local competition at a ceremony held last Thursday, September 30.

Mr and Mrs Lee, of Halsdon Avenue, Mrs T Poole of Breken Guest House, Morton Road, and The Imperial Hotel, were just some of the many winners from 20 classes.

Pat Graham, chairman of the Exmouth in Bloom group, said: “When it comes to floral displays, we know that what has been achieved is appreciated by both residents and visitors.

“The flowers have again been magnificent this year and it is only right that those responsible should receive some recognition for the hard work and effort that goes into producing such results.”

Exmouth mayor, Darryl Nicholas, presented the trophies and certificates at the event.

Mrs Graham thanked the many people who were involved in making the town look attractive in the past few months despite the ongoing building work in the Strand.

They included staff at East Devon District Council, Exmouth Quay Green Fingers group, the ladies of Camperdown Terrace, Mike Vine, Shane; Barry and Julie Russell from Lympstone Nurseries and Exmouth Town Council.

Mrs Graham added: “Thanks to my hard working committee. Gill Gegg, the secretary, who works tirelessly for this group and Ted Boorman who keeps the finances in order.

“Also to Anne and Jackie, who between them persuade the businesses that they really do need a hanging basket. Then, there all the others who turn up at weekends and help with digging, weeding, planting, pruning, anything that needs doing.”

Notable winners from the 2010 competition included: The champions award for the overall winner was Bronte Court Residents’ group.

The Kings Award for the Best Residential Garden was Mr and Mrs lee, or River Court, and the Chairman’s Award went to Jackie Chapman.

Exmouth in Bloom is a voluntary group which depends on donations, grants and fundraising activities for all of its work.

The group has produced a 2011 calendar which will be on sale shortly at the Town Hall, the TIC and at the indoor market card stall.

The list of winners from the local competition was as follows:

Class one: Balconies and porches. Winner: Mr and Mrs M Lee, 4 River Court, Halsdon Avenue.

Class two: Best Hanging Baskets. Winner: C. Ashby-Crane, Waverley House, 1 Waverley Road.

Class three: Churches. Winner: Point in View Church.

Class four: Community effort. Winner: Bronte Court, 63 Salterton Road.

Class five: Guest houses with large garden. Winner: Mrs C Logan, Carberry Lodge, 2 Carberry Avenue.

Class five-b: Guest houses with a small garden. Winner: Mrs T Poole. Breken Guest House, 13 Morton Road.

Class six: Large hotel. Winner: Imperial Hotel.

Class seven: Small hotels. Winner: The Dolphin Hotel, Morton Road.

Class eight: Businesses. Winner: Tythe Cottage Restaurant, Littleham

Class nine: Pubs and inns. Winner: The Clinton Arms, Maer Lane, Littleham

Class 10: Residential care homes. Winner: Manor Lodge, 8 Portland Ave.

Class 11: Private gardens up to 5ft depth. Winner: Mrs A Holman, 38 Camperdown Terrace.

Class 12: Private gardens up to 5ft to 10ft depth. Winner: Mr. R. J. Webber, The Garden Flat, 17 Morton Crescent

Class 13: Private gardens 10ft to 15ft depth. Winner: Mr. R. J. Webber, The Garden Flat, 17 Morton Crescent.

Class 14: Private gardens 15ft to 20ft depth. Winner: Mrs C Street, 5 Mead Cottages, Littleham Village.

Class 15: Private gardens over 20ft. Winner: Mrs. P Bass, 85 The Marles.

Class 16: Rear gardens. Winner: Mr Hakewill, 52 Elmfield Close.

Class 17: Public buildings. Winner: Exmouth Museum, Shepherds Row.

Class 18: Sports clubs. Winner: Madeira Bowling Club, Queens Drive.

Class 19: Best use of a recycled object. Winner: Mr Kellaway, 22 Liverton Close.

Class 20: Best use of recycled water. Winner: Mr Hakewill, 52 Elmfield Crescent.