Prizes were given for the largest marrow, the best-grown plate of vegetables, and the prettiest dahlia flower, along with creative awards for leaf-rubbing pictures, autumn fruit crumble, tree photography, and recycled flower bouquets. Volunteers, support workers, and staff let out their artistic sides with poetry and pressed flowers.
“The Flower Show is such a special event,” said our CEO, Ben Thomas. “It was a joy to be in the garden, full of warm sunshine, and to see the proud faces of client gardeners and their family and friends. We were so very pleased to welcome some local schools to share the day with us. Well done to everyone for their amazing effort and energy.”
“Days in the garden are both rewarding and challenging, and today was a wonderful opportunity to recognise all the good that comes from therapeutic gardening activities and spending time in nature. Behind each prize is a personal challenge that has been overcome physically, mentally, or socially.”
The judging panel, made up of long-time volunteers and supporters, along with Reading Borough Council’s Communities and Adult Social Care, were honoured to join the day and praised the amazing talent among the entries.
The Category winners were:
- The largest courgette/marrow
- Three vegetables/fruit/salad on a plate
- Leaf rubbing collage
- One dahlia flower
- A photo of “a favourite tree”
- Autumn fruit crumble
- Bouquet of Flowers made of recycled materials
- The poem “Through the garden gate”
- Picture made of pressed flowers/leaves
Special thanks and congratulations were also given to Thrive Reading’s wonderful volunteers who have given their time to support us over many years.
Lee Brown, Bryony Taylor, Kathy Shaw, Val Hooper, Ron Davis and Jenny Prior have been with us for ten years! And, an extra big thank you to Lesley Nicholson who has been volunteering with us for 25 years!
“Thank you all for the many hours you have given to the client gardeners over the years. We couldn’t do all this without you!”
Are interested in volunteer with us?
Join us for our upcoming volunteer open day at Thrive Reading, where you can find out more about our initiatives and how you can get involved in making a difference in the community.
Find out more