Residents at Hempstalls Hall are celebrating after winning an Overall Winner Gold Award in the Newcastle-under-Lyme in Bloom competition, recognising their hard work and dedication to creating a beautiful garden.
Residents Morgan, Phil and Joyce, alongside Well-being Activities Coordinator Karen, attended the awards ceremony at the New Vic Theatre on 26 September, where their garden was recognised in the Licensed Premises and Business category.
The garden was created around the theme of ‘Past, Present and Future’, with the design shaped by the residents’ own ideas and creativity. Filled with colourful cosmos, geraniums and begonias, the garden has become a source of pride for residents, who have enjoyed working together to bring the space to life.
The idea to enter the competition came from Dani, a member of the home’s Well-being team, and quickly became a project for residents to take ownership of.
Through the home’s gardening club, residents have enjoyed planting, watering and deadheading flowers, while others have independently spent time tending to the garden. Their enthusiasm has been so great that, on particularly hot days, team members have even had to remind residents to take a break.
Following their success, the residents received a plaque, certificate, bulbs, a voucher for Garners Garden Centre and a ceramic plant stand from Black Star Ceramics to commemorate their achievement.
The £20 garden centre voucher will be used to purchase plants for next year’s gardening project, ensuring residents can continue to develop their garden and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors together.
Reflecting on the awards ceremony, resident Morgan said: “It had been a wonderful afternoon, and there is so much talent in Newcastle, with wonderful gardeners and allotments.”
Fellow resident Joyce said she was amazed by the achievements of the children who had taken part in the competition, while Phil was surprised by the number of people who attended the ceremony.
The achievement highlights the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment residents gain from taking part in meaningful, shared activities, while helping to create an outdoor space that everyone at the home can enjoy.
