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It’s official - St. Helier is bloomin’ marvellous!
Not only has the parish been given ‘gold’ for its floral displays, so has one of its pubs – the Prince of Wales Tavern in Hilgrove Street – and the Town Hall.
The Jersey in Bloom competition is run by a locally-based charity, Natural Jersey, and is an offshoot of the Britain in Bloom competition. Parishes that do well locally go forward to the national competition.
The idea is to get the whole community involved and there is a host of categories including best allotments, and best environmental project.
It’s the third year the completion has been held. At an awards ceremony at the RJA&HS last week, two visiting judges from the national competition commented on how spectacular the island looks. According to Rae Beckwith and John Woodward, "Jersey just gets better and better!"
Eight parish halls were award ‘gold’ – Grouville, St. Clement, St. Helier, St. Brelade, St. Lawrence, St. John, St. Ouen, and St. Saviour – with three others getting silver gilt – St. Peter, Trinity, and St. Martin. Grouville was voted best of the best.
Pictured: St. Helier picked up a host of awards including a gold for its Town Hall.
The regulars in four pubs – the Horse and Hound, the Prince of Wales, the Farmers Inn, and Le Hocq Inn - will no doubt be raising a glass or two to celebrate their locals getting gold. Whilst those at St. Mary’s Country Inn and the Trinity Arms will be planning how they can improve on their silver gilt awards next year.
Four environmental projects were awarded gold: Piers Sangan/Grouville Marsh Conservation, the Barn Owl Conservation Group, Ponterrin Mill Restoration Project, and St. Mary’s Primary School Rainbow Garden – with the top prize, The Mike Stentiford Award, going to the marsh conservation project.
Pictured: The Prince of Wales' gold gives locals something to celebrate.
The judges also awarded a 'Discretionary Awards' to:
RHONA of RHONA’S CAFÉ (Gorey) for her "inspired" litter initiative.
LEELAH (age 6) at FJ AHIER ALLOTMENTS "for her enthusiasm and love of the natural world."
RUBY FILLEUL, GIRL GUIDE (Samares Manor) "for her journalistic skills and dedication to promoting our island."
PLOT 8 ST JOHN’S ALLOTMENTS "for the unique approach to laying out their plot."
In August, Gorey (Village Category), St. Helier (Large Coastal Category) and St. Clement (Small Coastal Category) will be judged in the national Britain in Bloom competition having been leading entries in last year’s local competition.
In 2017, St. Helier and St. Brelade were both awarded gold, with St. Saviour awarded a hugely creditable silver gilt.
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