The story is that Henley in Bloom decided that the Town Council did not have enough staff to do all the things that we wanted done. e.g. entrances to the town, new flowerbeds. So we decided on a bit of guerilla gardening. We now have about 25 people on the list. We wear the yellow shirts sponsored by Hotel du Vin so that people can see us when we are on the roadside. Over the past two years we have planted 10,000 crocus, 2,000 tulip, 1000 daffs and 300 polyanthas around the town and we should be seeing the result quite soon. We get together with the Allottment Association as well on any work that needs to be done. Hedge planting, etc. We have fun and social chit chat even though it can be quite hard work, but it makes a difference.

One of the hardest-working members of the group was Gwyneth Follett, who deservedly won the title of Gardening Buddy Of The Year. She is always keen to get her hands dirty and the joke among her fellow buddies is that she is always the first to be seen with her bottom in the air!

Hats off, too, to Toad Hall garden centre for its continued support, Hotel du Vin Manager Stephen Hodgkinson for his sponsorship and Samir Khan for his generosity.

If you would like to become a Gardening Buddy click here for form.