Twyford in Bloom takes home two awards from competition

For the second consecutive year Twyford has won the regional heritage award in the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) annual Thames and Chilterns in Bloom competition.

Volunteers, councillors and representatives from businesses and the community were also awarded a prestigious Silver Gilt Award for their year’s hard work.

Judges gave plenty of praise for Twyford’s united and ongoing efforts to keep the village beautiful, commenting particularly that ‘the volunteers’ dedication and commitment’ was a highlight for them as they toured schools, parks, neighbourhoods, and areas of interest.

Also noted was Twyford Parish Council’s support for the initiative, which involves a team of volunteers and year-round planning to enhance and encourage community engagement and village pride.

Working alongside the council and its volunteers are Twyford Together who came up with this year’s wow-project, the Coronation Labyrinth.

Situated in King George V Playing Fields the labyrinth encourages children to play, insects and birds to visit and a walk through it can also boost relaxation and mindfulness.

Two other projects taking pride of place in the village are the tree planting scheme in Stanlake Meadow Copse and the wheelbarrow competition which saw locals and businesses make interesting displays in the streets.

“It is wonderful to see the positive impact that bloom is having on Twyford and, with the momentum gained over the past year, the initiative can and will continue to enhance this beautiful town,” the judges commented.

The prestigious Thames and Chiltern in Bloom Awards is part of Europe’s largest horticultural campaign and is one of 16 regional and national Britain in Bloom initiatives which aims to encourage conservation and wildlife, care for the environment and sustainably, protect heritage, encourage community involvement and show ‘pride of place’.

In addition, a spokesperson for the Awards said that what stood out for the judges were key features 'tying local history into horticulture.' 

"This award goes deservedly to Twyford for the second year in succession as they continue to display and make the most of their historical heritage.  The village sign illustrates icons from Twyford’s history.

"The old osiery beds provide opportunities for maintaining a range of skills that might otherwise be lost, as reported in the Twyford and Ruscombe Local History Society Journal.  The Willow Angel Workshops teaches traditional skills whilst the Horticultural Association trading store supplied willow for a funeral as well as more traditional tributes.

"Other key features include the Old Boys School which is a listed building, has now been granted permission to be converted to a permanent home for the Twyford Library; a labyrinth with a standing stone centre piece representing 4000 years of archaeology;  and the Chatty Benches and Three trees planted to celebrate 300 years of the Polehampton Society."