The Guildford in Bloom Committee was set up in 1995 to increase the input of councillors, and local residents. The committee is made up of the local community and the members have proven to be of great importance to the ongoing development of the competition.
Their ideas, suggestions and involvement have lead to a cohesive borough wide approach to the many In Bloom issues. They have actively promoted the introduction of sponsored hanging baskets and troughs and each year they have helped to attract more sponsors to support the campaign.
"The Guildford in Bloom Committee, as people who live or work in the town, have a special affection for Guildford, and as such want the town to be kept at its best, for residents and visitors alike" Cllr Jennifer Powell, Chairman, Guildford in Bloom Committee.
Committee Members
Chairman: Cllr Jennifer Powell
Jen leads the Guildford in Bloom Committee and is the Lead Councillor for People and Partnerships. Jen is involved in the Town Centre Management Group and Retail & Tourism Sector of the Business Forum, and is also a magistrate. Jen is passionate about the presentation and heritage of the borough.
Vice Chair: Mrs Dorothy Walden
Dorothy is chairman of the Boxgrove Park Residents' and Neighbourhood Watch Association. Each year she takes part in judging one of the categories for the Guildford In Bloom competition which she diligently supports, encouraging residents of the borough to "green" their gardens and keeping Boxgrove Park Estate well informed about Guildford in Bloom.
Guildford in Bloom Sponsor: Burns & Webber Estate Agents
The local firm of Burns and Webber Estate Agents first generously supported Guildford in Bloom in 2002 and have been our main sponsor since. They see Guildford in Bloom as an opportunity to invest in the long term future of the borough.
Parks and Countryside Officer: Chris Bruce
Chris is the Head of Parks and Countryside Services and is responsible for ensuring the formal parks and open space of the borough are maintained to the highest standards. Chris has over 30 years experience working in amenity horticulture. He is also a regular guest on local radio where he promotes the local regional and national In Bloom competitions and raises awareness about horticulture, conservation and recycling.
Parks and Countryside Officer: Sally Crundwell
Sally is Events Officer for Parks and Countryside at Guildford Borough Council. Sally is a keen gardener, qualified in Landscape Architecture and enjoys promoting, organising and judging the local competitions.
Commercial Representative: Cathy Wiles
Cathy has been the Store Manager of Heals for the last 13 years and chaired the Retail Sector Group for many years. She has been on the committee since it was set up and actively encourages fellow retailers to support Guildford in Bloom and make our attractive town centre even more beautiful.
Schools Representative: Suki Lowres
Suki works as a nursery nurse in primary schools in the county and has a particular interest in school's grounds development.
Residents Associations: Rosemary Bird
Rosemary is a keen gardener and the treasurer of Merrow Residents Association. She is enthusiastic about the environment and the enhancement of her local area.
Allotments Representative: Arthur Kinge
Arthur is a voluntary manager of Guildford Allotment Society and is dedicated to managing and promoting the allotments to the south of the borough for use by residents of Guildford.
Environmental Forum Representative: Raymond Smith
Raymond chairs the Biodiversity Group of the Guildford Environmental Forum. He sees his role in Guildford in Bloom as providing a gentle reminder of the importance of the natural eco-systems on which all human life depends.
Public Relations Representative: Mary Morrison
Horticultural Representative: John Black
Horticultural Representative: Gill Buszard
Wildlife Garden Representative: David Smith