Broadstairs Town Team are delighted to have been recognised for their gardening efforts at the local station.
At the South & South East In Bloom Awards, held at RHS Wisley on 20 September 2024, the team’s entry for ‘Broadway Banks and Station Area in Broadstairs’ was awarded ‘Outstanding’ in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category, achieving an incredible 96 out of 100 marks. The entry also won Gold in the Sustainable Gardening category.
The Broadstairs Town Team Garden Group maintain eight community garden spaces across Broadstairs, including at the railway station. These green community spaces vary enormously in size and planting style, but they all have one thing in common – a dedicated group of volunteers who, come rain or shine, keep them looking wonderful.
Having received encouraging results when they first submitted an entry to In Bloom in 2021, the group has spent the last three years working hard to take on board the recommendations made by the assessor, as well as raising funds to support projects that improve volunteer safety and ensure the long-term sustainability of the gardens.
The group of volunteers work in conjunction with Creative Isle Community Rail Partnership, Southeastern, Network Rail and other local businesses and organisations to spruce up the station, ensuring it is a welcoming, vibrant and safe space for the whole community.
The group has also been awarded funding from Community Rail Network’s Small Grants Fund in 2023 and 2024, to support their projects at the station.
Sue Wainwright, volunteer and board member with Broadstairs Town Team, said: “In 2024 we entered all of our garden areas. We had a wonderful day in June showing off our gardens and outlining our plans for the future.”
“’It’s Your Neighbourhood’ is not just about endorsing high standards of planting, it’s about showing how our volunteers make a difference in the community, how we sustain the gardens and, most importantly, look after the environment.
“None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and the community rail partnership, who enable us to make our garden projects happen.”
If any readers are interested in finding out more about the community gardens and getting involved, contact info@broadstairstownteam.org.uk.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Broadstairs Town Team via their website and Facebook page.
