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Ferndown in Bloom Winners Praised by Organiser

In the presence of the Town Mayor Cllr Queenie Comfort, the winners of the 2009 Ferndown In Bloom competition were presented their awards by committee members District Councillor Lesley Dedman and Town Councillor Steven Lugg. Warren Haskins, Chairman of Haskins Garden Centres, welcomed the invited guests to the award ceremony hosted at the centre at Longham. He said as long term sponsors of the competition he was delighted that the committee had been able to revitalise the contest following a decline of entrants in previous years.

The Overall Winner award, and top of the best front garden category, was presented to Lyn Ovens of Ringwood Road. Lyn, who has lived at the property with husband Malcolm for 30 year, has opened the garden to the public for the past 9 years as part of the National Garden Scheme and this year raised £2,215 for the associated charities. Lyn was present a certificate and a total of £200 worth of vouchers.

Second place for Best Front Garden was Robin and Marie Fitzwalter of Wimborne Road West and in third is Cyril Haywood of Farm Road, West Moors. Highly commended were Sandra Noakes of West Moors, D. J. Pile in Ferndown and Mrs K. Donovan of Gladelands Park, Ferndown.

Apple Home Improvements at West Parley won the Best Business or Retail Category. Second place was Ferndown’s White Heather Public House, followed by Solicitors Luff Brook Carter. The Merchant of Venice Delicatessen was highly commended.

Sue Hook, Manager of the St Mary's Mews Private Retirement Flats in the town won Best Patio, Balcony or Terrace category and the Best Community Spirit award goes to Ron Pearce at Homelands House Gardens on the Ringwood Road.

In his presentation, Steve Lugg thanked Sue and Tim Hamlett, the competition judges, who took over five hours to inspect the forty eight entries from residential and business properties that participated in the revived competition.

“We have been greatly encouraged by the support and enthusiasm provided by our sponsor and everyone concern,” said Steve Lugg. “The more streamlined competition combined with higher prize values appealed to residents who enjoy gardening and those who take pride in their business premises.”
To encourage others to enter the 2010 competition, this year’s winners will automatically go into a separately judged Champion of Champions category.

(From left) Warren Haskins, Queenie Comfort, Overall competition winner Lyn Ovens, Haskins General Manager Terry Head and Lesley Dedman.

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