Members of the local community who contributed to Abergavenny winning Gold in this year’s Wales in Bloom competition were commended for their efforts at an Abergavenny in Bloom presentation last week.

Abergavenny in Bloom is an annual competition organised by the town council to reward the efforts of members of the local community and volunteer groups.

The council arrange an awards evening every year to celebrate, with this year’s awards being held at Our Lady and St Michael’s primary school on the evening of Wednesday September 22.

Town Mayor Tudor Thomas and town Councillor Tony Konieczy were in attendance at the school to present this year’s winners with their certificates.

The awards evening also provided the town council with an opportunity to thank the community for their support in helping Abergavenny win Gold at this year’s Wales in Bloom awards.

Speaking at the awards presenation, Mayor Thomas said: “I would like to congratulate everyone for their wonderful contribution to Abergavenny in Bloom this year.

‘‘I’m very proud to present the Abergavenny in Bloom awards and celebrate the achievement of a Gold award from Wales in Bloom.

‘‘I pay tribute to the partnership of the Town Council, MCC and voluntary groups for the hours of work and commitment to Abergavenny in Bloom which demonstrates how much we can achieve by working collaboratively.

‘‘Their enthusiasm and pride in custodianship is evident for all to see in our streets and parks, making Abergavenny a great place to live and visit.”

Mayor Thomas also thanked councillor Tony Konieczny – who also acts as Chair of the town’s Environment Committee – for his leadership of Abergavenny in Bloom over many years.

This year’s award winners included Parry’s Estate Agents for Best Business Display, Friends of Bailey Park for Best Formal Garden and Our Lady and St Michael’s PTA who won a Community Award.

Commendations were given to Laurie Jones Community Orchard, Nigel Leaworthy and the MCC Groundworks Team and Willow’s Nursery of Usk.

Members of Our Lady and St Michael’s PTA took part in the local three peaks challenge this year and raised £4330 to develop the school grounds.

Money raised has funded 7 raised vegetable beds to allow the school to develop a seed to fork project and has reinstated a pergola in the school peace garden allowing pupils to use the area as part of their learning.

Our Lady and St Michael’s headteacher Mr Viv Evans said: ““I’m so pleased that the work of our PTA has been recognised. Without their support our school ground development would have taken much longer and the icing on the cake is by improving our school we can also support the wonderful efforts of Abergavenny in Bloom, enabling our pupils to truly feel part of the local community.”