NEWBURY CELEBRATES SILVER GILT AWARD AND TOP CATEGORY WIN AT THAMES & CHILTERN IN BLOOM 2025!

Newbury is celebrating a remarkable achievement after being awarded a Silver Gilt Award at the prestigious Thames & Chiltern in Bloom campaign. The town also proudly received the Best Large Town Trophy – a first-time honour for Newbury.

This recognition highlights the incredible teamwork, dedication, and community spirit across the town. From graffiti removal and litter picking to the creation and care of community gardens, environmental projects, and beautifully maintained open spaces, the efforts of volunteers, community groups, contractors, and council staff all contributed to this outstanding result.

Cllr Ian Jee, Chair of the Council’s Green Spaces Working Group said, “Without the help and support of all our volunteers and the excellent work carried out throughout the year by our contractors, John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance Ltd, this achievement would not have been possible. We are so very proud of this recognition for our beautiful town, and a heartfelt thank you goes to everyone involved”.

After a six-year break from the competition, Newbury has once again earned a Silver Gilt award, matching its success from 2019. For the first time, the town competed in the Large Town Category and impressed the judges enough to secure the Best in Category Trophy. This recognition represents a milestone achievement for the community.

Judges praised the town’s vibrant gardens, environmental responsibility, and the strong sense of community spirit that runs throughout Newbury. In addition to the main awards, Newbury received special recognition for the Secret Garden Project, which was presented with the Thames & Chiltern in Bloom Award for Community Engagement.                   

This accolade celebrates the tireless work of the Community Matters West Field group in engaging residents and creating a welcoming, shared green space.

Cllr Gary Norman, Leader of the Council, said, “This is a truly amazing result for Newbury and a testament to the dedication of so many people across our town. Winning the Silver Gilt and the Best Large Town Trophy shows what can be achieved when we all work together for a common goal. We are especially proud of the recognition for the Secret Garden Project, which embodies the very best of community engagement.”

The awards reflect not only the horticultural achievements of the town but also the commitment to making Newbury a beautiful, sustainable, and enjoyable place for all who live, work, and visit.