Lesley Bailey and Herm gardeners Brett Moore, left, and James Cordingley show Britain in Bloom judges Roger Burnett and Rae Beckwith around the island. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0617061)
HERM has won the small coastal town category in the RHS Britain Bloom competition for the second time. A group of islanders were given the news at a ceremony attended by about 400 people at Chester racecourse last night.
The island repeated its success of 2002, again with a gold medal, and it also shared a discretionary award with St Helier for unannounced judging which took place in April and May.
Head gardener Brett Moore said waiting for the result had been a tense time.
‘My knees were shaking when there were only three of us left on the stage,’ said Mr Moore. He said they were collecting the award on behalf of every islander as all had contributed to the success.
‘It’s a great send off for Adrian and Penny Heyworth and it’s something we wanted to bring back for them,’ he said. ‘Hopefully, we’ve secured our jobs now.’
Herm was the only jurisdiction in a highly competitive class to win a gold medal. Whitehead, Northern Ireland, North Berwick, Scotland, and Jersey’s St Brelade all won silver gilt while there was a silver medal for Anglesey’s Cemaes Bay.
Outgoing Herm tenant Adrian Heyworth said he and his wife were delighted for the gardening team and the island as a whole.
‘Nobody could have worked harder and pulled together more as an island,’ said Mr Heyworth.
‘We last won it in 2002 with a gold award and the gardeners have excelled themselves again.
‘They must be congratulated on a fantastic achievement.
‘Taking part in Britain in Bloom is a huge commitment for us and it’s lovely to be leaving the island having won such a prestigious award.’
Article posted on 25th September, 2008 - 2.29pm
One Article Comment
Congratulations Brett and James and all Herm residents who are looking after their island.. Island looks still really nice… Like on the judging day.
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