Stonehouse in Bloom (SIB) has had a spectacular year, scooping a Gold Award, being crowned Best Small Town, and receiving a special discretionary ‘Award for Community Achievement’ in the RHS Heart of England in Bloom 2025 regional competition.
Over 1,600 communities across the UK take part in local “In Bloom” campaigns each year, making Stonehouse’s success all the more remarkable.
Volunteers Rowena Horton and Theresa Watt accepted the awards on behalf of the group at a ceremony held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern last Tuesday.Chair Pam Swain said: “I feel so proud to be part of the team of volunteers who make up Stonehouse in Bloom. The discretionary ‘Award for Community Achievement’ was a complete surprise. This recognises our work with the Town Council, schools, care homes, and other community groups. The community spirit in Stonehouse is inspirational. These awards and recognition are for the whole town — well done everyone!”
SIB has continued to expand its successful community projects, including the Community Garden used by Building Circles charity, the insect gallery in partnership with Moreton Hill Care Home, Hopelands School, and Homestart Stroud & Gloucester, plus ongoing collaborations with Cotswold Canals Trust and support of the Stroudwater Canal. New initiatives, such as the community use of the Ship Inn site, are already proving popular and valuable for the town.
RHS judges praised the group’s dedication: “Stonehouse is an attractive town with a long history and a beautiful canal-side setting. The In Bloom volunteers are the icing on the cake! Despite a recent heatwave, careful planting, watering, and overall care ensured an outstanding entry. And on a very warm summer’s day, how lovely to be taken to our first site — on a canal boat!”
SIB extends heartfelt thanks to their volunteers, community organisations, businesses, residents, Stonehouse Town Council, grant providers, donors, supporters, and the RHS judges. Their collective efforts have made this remarkable achievement possible.
Anyone interested in joining Stonehouse in Bloom for the 2025-2026 campaign — no gardening experience required — can get in touch via Facebook @StonehouseInBloom or email Deborah Curtis at deborah.curtis647580@gmail.com.
