Sark’s floral win is ‘a big team effort’

The Sark Community Blooms team won a gold medal, the Lady Dorey Trophy, and the right to represent the Bailiwick in the Britain in Bloom National Competition, 2019. The group also won the Ossie Falla Award for an outstanding contribution to the community, while Stocks Hotel in Sark got an award for horticultural excellence.

Jan Guy, from the Sark steering group, said they were thrilled to win.

‘We are delighted,’ she said.

‘We have about 50 people on the island, either working or providing funds, so it’s a big team effort.’

Just two parishes entered the community competition this year, with St Saviour’s picking up a silver gilt award.

Floral Guernsey vice-chairman John Woodward said the island was looking really good, despite a difficult year of growing.

‘Without your help, this would not have happened,’ he told the audience at the awards.

However, he was concerned over the lack of entries in the main competition.

‘I would like to encourage people in the community to enter the competition,’ he said. ‘I would like to see one or two other entries next year. It’s not an onerous job and it is well worthwhile for the rewards you get back from it.’

Judges Alan Dorey and Rae Beckwith examined the entries this summer and said they had been impressed.

‘We have seen some wonderful things,’ Mr Beckwith said.

‘The island should be rightly proud.’

Lots of parish douzaine rooms were entered in the competition, as well as a number of individual projects.

It was a good night for St Martin’s, with the douzaine room getting the top award.

It has been looked after by John and Marilyn Garnham since 2007 and this was the ninth time they have won. They also received a special commendation.

‘This does mean they will keep us on, as we aren’t slipping,’ Mr Garnham joked after getting the award.

‘We just like to be up there and making things tidy.’

Gary Murchie, Nigel Smith and Kevin Bourgaize also got commendations for their work restoring the Saints Bay Loophole Tower, as well as the heritage award.

Mr Murchie said the recognition was a big surprise and he wanted to thank everyone who had helped.

‘To be nominated by others in recognition of the works that have been and indeed are continuing is always a great boost to not only ourselves, but also to the people of the parish and the greater island,’ he said.

It is hoped the tower will officially open next year.

The Joc Watts Trophy was presented to Andrew Pouteaux.

He has been coordinating the Art of Living volunteers for about seven years.

‘It was a big surprise,’ he said.

St Julian’s Avenue roundabout won best floral display, while Herm won best environment.

The young people’s award went to the 1st Guernsey Scouts and the Norma Ozanne schools award went to La Houguette.

Bruce Russell won the tourism award and the Brothers Cemetery the conservation and wildlife award.

Work on the Mirus Battery was recognised with the theme award, while the GSPCA pond and wildlife area won best new project.

Judge commendations were also give to James Harrison of Stocks Hotel, Brett Moore of Herm, Phil de Jersey, Rosie Henderson, The Last Post and Nigel Clarke.