Green fingers rewarded in annual horticulture show

The town had it's best year to date in the competition, taking Silver for the Coastal Category when the results were announced in Brighton on Wednesday afternoon, with two other sites singled out for their achievements.

Perhaps best of all was the presentation of an inaugural tourism award to Bexhill.

Bexhill in Bloom chairman Sandra Melvin said: "I'm thrilled. It's an improvement on last year's results, and we're hoping to get the gold next year. We're up against Herne Bay, which might prove a problem."

Highwoods took a prestigious Community Conservation Award, with Sandra adding: "The judges said Highwoods did not really fit a category by itself, but if it had then it would have won an award, it was so good."

Ingrams community allotments, off Crowhurst Lane, received an Outstanding Neighbourhood Award from the Royal Horticultural Society and Britain in Bloom. The site was this week visited by local MP Greg Barker, who praised the "fantastic achievements of a great bunch of volunteers".

The tools and muscles of the Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardeners have transformed the site over four years from a wasteland to a thriving plot which produces leeks, beans, cabbages, potatoes and many fruits. All produce is shared between those who work the land.

Of Bexhill's victory in the tourism category, not without irony as Bexhill does not have an official tourist information point, Sandra said: "This is a prestigious achievement. Bexhill was declared the overall winner in the South East for the tourism category.

"I was quite hopeful, because I'm chair of Bexhill in Bloom and I run the Visitor Info Point, but you can never be sure.

"We hope it might encourage the council to install a proper tourist information centre."

Judges comments on the marking sheets were generally positive, saying "The overall standard of horticulture has improved this year.

Roundabouts remain a problem with scope for improvement. Manor Gardens is particularly well kept, with good quality planting.

"It would be good if the type of planting used so successfully in Marine Court Gardens could be considered for use in other areas."

Cllr Paul Lendon said: "It's a great achievement and a wonderful way to promote Bexhill's motto of Sun and Health.

"What better way to show that Bexhill is on the map. I'm very proud, but it's down to Sandy. She's the chairman."