Sandown selected for Britain in Bloom

By IW Observer.co.uk Feb 22, 2022

Based on Sandown’s 2021 gold award, the town has been chosen to represent the south and south-east in the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) 2022, Britain in Bloom competition in the Coastal Town category.

The RHS now give more weight to sustainability in planting, making the competition more eco-friendly. Judging is now based on horticulture, the environment and community. In past years, Sandown has done particularly well in the environment section and have always given planting priority to sustainability.

Christine Jackson, chairwoman of Sandown Green Town Volunteers, said: “Sandown has a wonderful family-friendly beach and delightful views, with shipping regularly moored in the bay. Last year saw a new vitality along the Esplanade and Culver Parade with new concessionaires bringing fresh life to the seafront. We are part of one of the few biospheres in England and in a Marine Conservation Zone. This is an opportunity to showcase Sandown and the Island.”

The judges’ route will run from the Broadway and Battery Gardens, Ferncliff, Beachfield Road, Pier Street, the Esplanade, the High Street, Culver Parade to Brown’s and beyond. Every window display, front-garden and flower pot really counts, so organisers are asking that if you live or work along the route, or even elsewhere in Sandown, to keep the street in front of your property clear of weeds and litter.

Ben Holbrook, deputy chairman of Sandown Green Town Volunteers, said: “It is a great honour to be representing the whole of the south, south-east and the Isle of Wight. We know that we have run down areas, like many other coastal resorts, and we are hoping that their owners will appreciate that this is an opportunity to raise Sandown’s profile.”

Sandown community organisations will be pulling together to present Sandown at its best. If you think you could help, contact Sandown Green Town Volunteers through their Facebook page or e-mail sandowngtv@gmail.com.