Westminster in Bloom won the coveted title of Borough of the Year 2013, as well as being awarded Gold & Category Winner in the City Group B category. Meanwhile, the London Borough of Hillingdon enjoyed great success winning a total of 25 awards across the range of categories at borough-wide and individual green space levels, including Gold & Category Winner in the Large City section, the Biodiversity Award and Common of the Year for Poors Fields.
Other winners included the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in the City Group A category, Happy Valley in Croydon winning Country Park of the Year, Holland Park winning Large Park of the Year, Danson Park in Bexley winning Large Park (above 25 acres) of the Year, West Ham Park managed by the City of London winning Park of the Year, and Waterside Gardens in Bexley winning Small Park of the Year.
Individuals were also recognised for their contribution to the sector, as Joanne Winters from the London Borough of Brent won Apprentice Gardener of the Year, Terence Meredith from the London Borough of Croydon won Gardener of the Year, and Outstanding Contribution Awards were presented to Chris Gallehawk and Mike Fitt OBE.
The event was sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services, who has a significant role in London for its landscaping and grounds maintenance operations, not least with its flagship contract with Regent’s Park.
Robert Seear, Veolia’s Regional Manager for South London, said: “We are delighted to support this prestigious event and help recognise the fantastic achievements by everybody whose hard work and efforts over the year have been acknowledged with these awards.”
Peter Holman, Managing Trustee of London in Bloom said “London in Bloom is pleased to partner with Veolia Environmental Services this year and for their support in recognising the efforts of our communities, boroughs, businesses and individuals who do so much to make London a better place to live, work and visit. Working with Veolia this year has helped us increase participation in London in Bloom by 22% this year.”
Geoff Hyde, Chairman of London in Bloom, commented: “London in Bloom and Veolia Environmental Services, have much in common: horticultural management and maintenance, conservation and the preservation of our precious public open spaces and we are pleased to have them as a partner and headline sponsor for our awards.”
London will have four representatives in this year’s Britain in Bloom Awards: the London Borough of Hillingdon in the Large City category, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in the City category, the City of London in the Town category, and London Bridge in the Urban Community category.
A full list of winners can be found at www.londoninbloom.co.uk.
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