Bexhill snaps up bloom 'Oscar'

Bexhill in Bloom chairman Sandra Melvin and colleagues attended the ceremony where Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew presented the Gatwick Cup for Bexhill s efforts in the competition together with 10 certificates of excellence.

South East judges David Sadler and Geoff Hyde were obviously impressed with Bexhill s entry when they visited the town in July.

They commented: Bexhill shows a great deal of enthusiasm for South East in Bloom and judges were given a warm welcome back this year.

The flowerbeds on the seafront were most striking in well-designed settings.

Carpet bedding in the shape of a bus also stated the competition name. It was well thought out and planted, as was the whole display along the front.

The Methodist Church in Sackville Road sets a very high standard and this is echoed by some of the shops in the main street.

But the judges also added that shops which had not attempted an entry in the competition need to be reminded of their lack of effort towards the common good.

The judges were shown photographs of Town Hall Square when the bulbs were giving a fine display but said efforts should be made to involve the Murco filling station in the competition because of its prominent position.

On the other hand, the environmental pond at Broadoak Park is a fine asset to the area.

They conclude: The town is improving year on year, and with a little help from shopkeepers in Sackville Road and Western Road could be much enhanced again....

Sandra Melvin said: I am delighted Bexhill has won an award. It is very difficult winning a main prize when we are up against towns like Horsham who have now won the competition for the third year running and whose financial resources are very much larger.

However, we all need to work a little harder to encourage businesses in the town centre to make more of an effort.

We are still looking for volunteers and sponsors. If anyone feels they are able to offer any help, I will be pleased to hear from them.

The Gatwick Cup will be displayed at the Town Forum at Manor Barn on Tuesday. The certificates of excellence will be presented at an awards ceremony in the near future.