MEMBERS OF a Stonehouse group have spoken of their pride and emotions after scooping yet another national award. 

Stonehouse in Bloom fought off tough competition to scoop a Gold Award and Best Small Town in the UK Award.

52 finalists from across the UK competed in eleven categories from Small Village to City and Coastal to Urban Community.

Some of the SIB team headed up to the awards ceremony at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester to receive both awards from horticulturist, author, and television presenter Frances Tophill.

Each of the 17 Bloom Regions and Nations, which run individual Bloom competitions, nominate the highest-performing entries to compete in the UK Finals.

The group’s efforts were judged according to criteria that scores their commitment to improving the local environment, community engagement and horticultural excellence.

Chair of Stonehouse in Bloom Pam Swain said the group were extremely proud, emotional and grateful.

She said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this result not only for the Stonehouse in Bloom team, but for all the other groups in the community who have worked with us.

"We started with just a small group and now we work with the town council, Cotswold Canals Trust, GCRP, Hopelands and Park Federation Schools, Moreton Hill Care Centre, Stonehouse Court Hotel, GWR, Network Rail, Aboricultural Association to name a few, High Street businesses, and many more organisations.

"There is a real sense of pride in our town and huge support across the local community and wider Stroud district”.

Stonehouse has consistently won Gold in the Heart of England in Bloom competition since 2017 and has been judged the region’s Best Small Town every year since 2018, however this year‘s national awards have cemented years of hard work and commitment by the community in Stonehouse. 

The Britain in Bloom judges said: “The entire community of Stonehouse has come together to foster a sense of professionalism and pride.”

Stonehouse in Bloom say they won’t be resting on their gardening laurels, building on their national win they have many future plans, including seeking a larger piece of land to create a bigger community garden where they will have room to welcome a greater number of community volunteers.