NEWQUAY struck gold for a record 15th time in a prestigious horticulture, heritage and environment competition.

Members of the Newquay in Bloom Partnership along with mayor Cllr Drew Creek received the accolade at the South West in Bloom Awards presentation 2024 held at Bath Pavilions on Tuesday, October 8.

Judges Tim Eley from Praa Sands and Ian Crawley from Babbacombe in Devon had toured Newquay in July starting from Hendra Tourist Park and taking in the Gannel, Huer’s Hut, the Wave Project, the Killacourt, Newquay Library, Trenance Gardens and Rose Garden before ending at Trenance Heritage Cottages.

Tim and Ian spoke to Len Sheppard, the chair of Newquay Old Cornwall Society, at the Gannel about the history of the estuary. The judges also met with Jon Goodman, the custodian of the Huer’s Hut as well as Phil Trebilcock and Gareth Horner at the harbour.

They were shown various examples of projects the community is undertaking in Newquay including Harbour Heights and the Towan Triangle project.

Newquay in Bloom secretary Lesley Friel said: “Newquay is in the St Bridget Cup section for small towns and we were all absolutely delighted to achieve gold again and for the 15th time. 

“The other towns in this group are Exmouth, Barnstaple and Portishead and this year Exmouth had the highest marks so was awarded the St Bridget Cup.

“Marks are awarded not just for the horticulture but also for care of the heritage and environment as well as community participation. 

“This year the judges were impressed by the sensory bed and wildflower beds on the Killacourt, Harbour Heights and by the town’s hanging baskets.

“They were full of praise for Hendra Tourist Park which provided a ‘wow’ factor at the start of the tour. Len Shepperd, Jon Goodman, Mavis Warman and Sarah Thomson’s Living Library Garden were all given a special mention in the judges’ report. 

“Moreover, they were impressed that the group is called the Newquay in Bloom Partnership which signifies the collaboration with a whole range of organisations, which include Biffa, Cormac, the Environment Team of Newquay Town Council and community groups in the town particularly the 14 It’s Your Neighbourhood projects covering groups as diverse as the Old Cornwall Society Scrub Bashers and Fistral Beach Clean. 

“All in all, the awards presentation was a wonderful celebration and recognition of the high standards we are maintaining for Newquay at the end of another year of hard work for our partnership. 

“We are only a small group and would love to welcome new members. Anyone interested can message us on Newquay in Bloom’s Facebook page where details of our working parties are posted regularly. “