By Isle of Wight Observer
The South & South East in Bloom results were good news for Sandown. On their first time of entering Sandown was declared South & South East in Bloom’s Small Coastal Resort of the Year 2019, with a Silver Gilt Award.
Ben Holbrook, Deputy Chairman of Sandown Green Town Volunteers, said: “We were especially pleased that while noting that some areas of the town are in need of improvement, the judges recognised the hard work, pride and enthusiasm shown by the children, volunteers, individuals and civic members they met on their tour of Sandown.”
The judges commented in particular on the diverse and broad community activities they were shown, from the work of the Bay CE School Community Kids at Sandown Station, the School and the Briars Nursing Home, to the varied activities of Sandown Green Town Volunteers which included Christmas tree decorating with recycled materials as well as flower bed and street maintenance.
The opened-up green space at the back of Browns Golf Course and ‘the Men in Sheds’ initiative was also praised. Highly commended were the horticultural achievements of local businesses including Glory Arts, the Montpelier Guest House and Sandown Bowls Club.
In the South & South East in Bloom’s ‘Its Your Neighbourhood’ category Sandown Green Town Volunteers were awarded an ‘Outstanding’ for the Pier beds and Eastern Gardens, the highest level achievable.
Ben Holbrook added: “After such a huge amount of hard work in the build up to judging and throughout the year we are so pleased that our hard work has paid off and that our work has improved the town for residents and all those that come and visit. It is especially pleasing after Sandown Bay won the Country File Beach Of The Year earlier in the year.”
