CELEBRATIONS FOR OUR SILVER GILT AND BEST LARGE TOWN AWARD!

Participants and organisers came together to celebrate the town’s remarkable achievements in the Thames & Chiltern in Bloom 2025 competition. After a six-year break, Newbury was awarded a Silver Gilt Award and, for the first time in the Large Town category, proudly took home the Best Large Town Trophy.

A special moment of the day came when the Mayor of Newbury Cllr David Harman, presented the Secret Garden Project with a ‘Special Recognition’ award, a singular accolade from the judges highlighting exceptional achievement in community engagement.

Cllr Ian Jee, Chair of the Council’s Green Spaces Working Group, said, “Today was all about celebrating what Newbury can achieve when we work together. These awards reflect the dedication, creativity, and community spirit that make our town so special.”

The celebration highlighted the collective effort of volunteers, community groups, contractors, and council staff. The competition route featured outstanding environmental projects, including the Newbury Nature Corridor, one of the town’s five community orchards at Barn Crescent, and beautiful gardens like Newbury College Community Garden, the NHS Commemorative Garden, Victoria Park, Greenham House Gardens, Community Corner, and the Secret Garden Project on Lock Island. Over 100 hanging baskets, Town Hall floral displays, and Parkway flowerbeds added further colour to the town.

Contacts:

Contact:

James Heasman, Parks & Open Spaces Supervisor, james.heasman@newbury.gov.uk 07775 434475

Cllr Ian Jee, Chair Green Spaces Working Group, ian.jee@newbury.gov.uk