THE best of Oswestry’s beauty was rewarded this week as the winners of Oswestry in Bloom 2024 were announced.
On Monday, September 30, Natalie Bainbridge, chairman of Oswestry In Bloom, welcomed a full house to The Memorial Hall in Smithfield Street for the annual award presentation.
There were more than 100 individual awards in 15 categories, with almost 80 being presented on the night while there were also special awards for individuals and groups.
READ MORE: Oswestry in Bloom celebrates third straight Heart of England
Categories ranged from Best Hanging Basket to Best Large Back Garden while community groups and young people were also recognised while for the first time, trophies were presented personally by sponsors including town mayor Councillor Mike Isherwood.
OTHER NEWS:
- Judge orders ex-Oswestry drug dealer to pay back half of her money to court
- Oswestry farmer James Steele's delight as cow eaten Rolex watch restored
- North Shropshire MP raises concerns over starkest NHS cuts in England
On the night, Ms Bainbridge said: “We are here to celebrate not only the beauty and creativity that our community brings but also the dedication and hard work that fuels our shared vision of a greener, more vibrant Oswestry.
“The awards are to celebrate the hard work and creativity of all who have participated.
“Our gardens and floral displays do more than just brighten our streets, they foster a sense of pride, enrich our environment, and bring us all closer together.
“It’s through these acts of community spirit and environmental stewardship that we create a more welcoming and beautiful place to live.”
Louise Humphreys, In Bloom committee member and an Oswestry Town Council officer, added: “It was lovely to be part of Oswestry In Bloom’s presentation with businesses, residents and community groups all receiving awards for their hard work in making Oswestry a ‘blooming’ good place to live, work and visit.
“Special thanks to all the sponsors, judges and especially the volunteers who have all helped Oswestry win Best Large Town in the Heart of England region for the third year running.
“We are looking forward to working with everyone again in 2025 to welcome the National Britain in Bloom judges and show them what we can achieve by working and ‘growing together’.”
Introduced in 2023 the award for Young Gardener was hotly contested and host for the evening, ex-BBC Radio Shropshire presenter, James Bond gave details of the wonderful work that they have been doing.
Get in touch
Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.
The presentation evening came hot on the heels of the announcement that Oswestry had picked up Gold and Best Large Town in The Heart of England In Bloom Awards.
This means that in 2025 Oswestry will be representing the West Midlands as Large Town in Britain In Bloom, an accolade to the hard work of the In Bloom volunteers and the Cae Glas Park Team.
You can stay up to date on all Oswestry In Bloom activities by visiting their social media pages or at www.oswestryinbloom.wordpress.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here