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10 GOLDS in a row!
At the annual RHS awards ceremony of the Thames & Chilterns Region on 25 September 2025, Goring won its 10th consecutive Gold Award. As the top scoring entry in the ‘Small Town’ category Goring also received the Best in Category trophy.
The competition has 3 sections, Horticulture, Environment & Community and Goring scored highly in each category. The Judges who visited Goring on 7 July, along with the Chairman of the Region, stressed to the audience that thanks should be extended to all those who make a great effort to present their communities at their best and to thank all the many volunteers, groups and individuals who were involved as this is an award for the whole of the community.
From the report of the judge’s findings and the many positive comments they made, they stated they were particularly impressed with the Goring Primary School’s horticultural efforts and the children’s understanding of what is needed to grow fruit and vegetables. They also were very positive about the effort put into making the High Street look attractive and the local business’s participation, exemplified by the beautiful hanging baskets and troughs outside Masoom’s Indian Restaurant.
The Bloom committee of Stephanie Bridle, Janet Hurst, Ron Bridle (pictured) and Colin Ratcliff would also like to thank everyone involved in making Goring such an attractive place to live in and a popular visitor destination which supports our local economy.
The competition has 3 sections, Horticulture, Environment & Community and Goring scored highly in each category. The Judges who visited Goring on 7 July, along with the Chairman of the Region, stressed to the audience that thanks should be extended to all those who make a great effort to present their communities at their best and to thank all the many volunteers, groups and individuals who were involved as this is an award for the whole of the community.
From the report of the judge’s findings and the many positive comments they made, they stated they were particularly impressed with the Goring Primary School’s horticultural efforts and the children’s understanding of what is needed to grow fruit and vegetables. They also were very positive about the effort put into making the High Street look attractive and the local business’s participation, exemplified by the beautiful hanging baskets and troughs outside Masoom’s Indian Restaurant.
The Bloom committee of Stephanie Bridle, Janet Hurst, Ron Bridle (pictured) and Colin Ratcliff would also like to thank everyone involved in making Goring such an attractive place to live in and a popular visitor destination which supports our local economy.
Stephanie & Ron Bridle and Janet Hurst collect the awards at the Bloom Award Ceremony 2025
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Judgement Day 2025
On the morning of Monday 7th July, at the start of what turned out to be a very hot summer, the Bloom committee welcomed two judges from the Thames and Chilterns in Bloom to Goring Village Hall at the start of their tour of the village. Goring is entered into the competition as a ‘Small Town’ with a population of approximately 3400. This category covers towns that have populations of between 3-10 thousand inhabitants.
The tour has to be completed in two hours and must comply with the three pillars of the judging criteria. These are Horticultural Achievement, Environmental Responsibility and Community Participation.
In terms of demonstrating Goring’s expertise in the planting, maintenance and sustainability of its horticultural work the judges were taken to a variety of examples of this, including the railway station where new planting projects had been completed this year. The increase in station’s biodiversity was noted as were the environmental benefits of having strategic water storage installations and the introduction of prairie planting.
On their visit to the Primary School the judges were welcomed into the courtyard garden by the pupils. This garden has been recreated in recent years following its demise during the refurbishment of the surrounding building. The cultivation that the pupils undertake in this space is led by the inspirational Madeleine Bastawrous, a parent at the school. The judges were clearly impressed by the quality and organic nature of the produce that they saw and the children were very proud to explain how they plant, harvest and ultimately use the fruit and vegetables they grow.
On our way to the Sheepcot field where they met a representative from the Mend the Gap organisation who had funded the renovation of the boundary hedge, the judges were delighted to meet an enthusiastic group of Whitehills Green residents who, with the encouragement of the Bloomers who live in the road, are making plans to improve the biodiversity of the traffic island the top of their close.
As well as visiting a variety of locations where horticultural and environmental work is carried out the judges enjoyed talking to members of the business community who were keen to show their support for the enhancement the village centre in terms of the benefits they see that it brings to the village economy and to community as a whole.
The tour has to be completed in two hours and must comply with the three pillars of the judging criteria. These are Horticultural Achievement, Environmental Responsibility and Community Participation.
In terms of demonstrating Goring’s expertise in the planting, maintenance and sustainability of its horticultural work the judges were taken to a variety of examples of this, including the railway station where new planting projects had been completed this year. The increase in station’s biodiversity was noted as were the environmental benefits of having strategic water storage installations and the introduction of prairie planting.
On their visit to the Primary School the judges were welcomed into the courtyard garden by the pupils. This garden has been recreated in recent years following its demise during the refurbishment of the surrounding building. The cultivation that the pupils undertake in this space is led by the inspirational Madeleine Bastawrous, a parent at the school. The judges were clearly impressed by the quality and organic nature of the produce that they saw and the children were very proud to explain how they plant, harvest and ultimately use the fruit and vegetables they grow.
On our way to the Sheepcot field where they met a representative from the Mend the Gap organisation who had funded the renovation of the boundary hedge, the judges were delighted to meet an enthusiastic group of Whitehills Green residents who, with the encouragement of the Bloomers who live in the road, are making plans to improve the biodiversity of the traffic island the top of their close.
As well as visiting a variety of locations where horticultural and environmental work is carried out the judges enjoyed talking to members of the business community who were keen to show their support for the enhancement the village centre in terms of the benefits they see that it brings to the village economy and to community as a whole.
A Thank You from Great Western Railway
Together with our colleagues from Miggs Mobility Issues group of Goring and Streatley, Goring-on-Thames in Bloom was delighted to be invited to the unveiling of a plaque at Goring and Streatley Station honouring our communities’ contribution to the improvement of our local environment. The event, organised by Great Western Railway, was attended by over 30 people after Andy Richards, a retired eye surgeon, approached the train company to ask them to honour his fellow villagers and their work over the last decade.
The press reported that Great Western Railway recognised the efforts of Stephanie and Ron Bridle and Janet Hurst and their team of volunteers who started working in 2017 on Platform four at the station to bring colour back into the space following the completion of electrification works. They have continued to maintain the space over the last eight years to provide a sustainable haven for wildlife and create a welcoming environment for visitors to the station. They also tend spaces in Goring Car Park, the Lock and the Gardiner recreation Ground. Last August six volunteers cleared graffiti on the railway bridge owned by Network Rail.
Mrs Bridle who received a bouquet of white and pink roses and lilies said “ Transforming parts of Goring into beautiful, sustainable spaces where nature can thrive and which the community can enjoy has been such a privilege. We hope that the spaces continue to bring smiles for years to come and that people from outside the community will feel inspired to visit Goring to see the love and hard work that has gone into creating them.”
Sarah Pye, a local artist, was also thanked for her mural at the station which was installed in 2019 when Goring won the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Best Small Town in the UK’ title.
A framed image, taken by Ron Bridle, was presented to Jane Jones, Head of Public affairs at Great Western Railway. This was in appreciation of the support she has given over the last decade to improve the passenger experience at the station.
Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway, said “The dedication that this band of volunteers show in not only making the railway but the communities they serve better for everyone is unparalleled. I want to thank all of the honourees today as well as all the incredible volunteers who have worked so hard to keep our communities thriving.”
The press reported that Great Western Railway recognised the efforts of Stephanie and Ron Bridle and Janet Hurst and their team of volunteers who started working in 2017 on Platform four at the station to bring colour back into the space following the completion of electrification works. They have continued to maintain the space over the last eight years to provide a sustainable haven for wildlife and create a welcoming environment for visitors to the station. They also tend spaces in Goring Car Park, the Lock and the Gardiner recreation Ground. Last August six volunteers cleared graffiti on the railway bridge owned by Network Rail.
Mrs Bridle who received a bouquet of white and pink roses and lilies said “ Transforming parts of Goring into beautiful, sustainable spaces where nature can thrive and which the community can enjoy has been such a privilege. We hope that the spaces continue to bring smiles for years to come and that people from outside the community will feel inspired to visit Goring to see the love and hard work that has gone into creating them.”
Sarah Pye, a local artist, was also thanked for her mural at the station which was installed in 2019 when Goring won the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Best Small Town in the UK’ title.
A framed image, taken by Ron Bridle, was presented to Jane Jones, Head of Public affairs at Great Western Railway. This was in appreciation of the support she has given over the last decade to improve the passenger experience at the station.
Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway, said “The dedication that this band of volunteers show in not only making the railway but the communities they serve better for everyone is unparalleled. I want to thank all of the honourees today as well as all the incredible volunteers who have worked so hard to keep our communities thriving.”
Visit the 2025 Gallery page for more images
Gold for Goring on Thames in Bloom 2024
Bloom Award presentation 2024.
L-R Janet Hurst (Secretary), Stephanie Bridle (Chair), Pak Ling Wan (RHS) Credit Steve Catanach
L-R Janet Hurst (Secretary), Stephanie Bridle (Chair), Pak Ling Wan (RHS) Credit Steve Catanach
The Goring Bloomers were delighted to receive a Gold Award in the Small Town category of Thames & Chilterns Region of the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom Competition 2024.
Representing the team of dedicated volunteers who work to keep the village looking great year-round, Chair Stephanie Bridle and Secretary Janet Hurst were presented with a framed certificate by RHS Communities Manager Pak Lin Wang. The ceremony took place on 25 September at Woodley Town Hall, where representatives from all the Bloom groups in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and
Buckinghamshire had gathered to celebrate their achievements.
Judges Steve Catanach and Kyle Downing visited Goring on 8 July to tour the village and assess the various projects which included the railway station, the Gardiner Recreation Ground and the BT wildflower site, as well as seeing the containers and hanging baskets in the High Street and other locations. They were also shown around Withymead Nature Reserve with an enthusiastic and expert
commentary by the warden Pete Morton. The visit ended at Goring Village Hall for a presentation and lunch with Bloom volunteers, with the delicious spread provided by Cleeve by Goring WI.
The judges were particularly impressed by the display of Goring Gap Environmental Group activities, which are led with great drive by Ron Bridle.
Impressing lead judge Steve Catanach was no easy task, as he heads up Amersham in Bloom, a group which is so successful that it is consistently nominated for the RHS National Competition, and won the ultimate accolade in 2022 of best entry in the whole UK. Nevertheless, Steve and his co-judge Kyle, were pleased by what they saw in Goring and wrote in the summary of their assessment:
Goring is a beautiful town that combines heritage, floral displays and environmental projects, each bringing positive benefits to the local community and leaving a lasting impression that enhances the visitor experience. It was fantastic to meet the volunteers, and to hear about the variety of projects and events that take place throughout the year. The floral displays are vibrant and it is wonderful to see so many businesses engaged in the Bloom initiative. Withymead Nature Reserve, a real highlight of the tour, is an exceptional haven for wildlife, with kingfishers, otters, owls, bats and grass snakes to name but a few; it really is a special sanctuary. The
reserve also plays host to forest schools who enjoy learning about the different types of plants and trees on the reserve, and of course hunting for bugs! The impressive work of the Goring Gap Environmental Organisation should be commended, helping
to bolster the local environmental quality of Goring. Community cohesion and civic pride were in in abundance throughout the tour, a tangible benefit that being involved in Bloom brings. Well done to all involved.
The Bloom committee would like to thank everyone who supports their efforts, most notably the team of volunteers who turn out whatever the weather to weed, trim and plant when necessary and who keep the containers watered and looking good, which is a big commitment. Even when it rains, tubs and troughs still need watering. Other unsung heroes are the litter pickers, who do a sterling
job, keeping the streets rubbish free on a regular basis. We are also grateful to the businesses who adorn their own premises with floral displays and to the parish council for funding the hanging baskets provided by Windowflowers.
The Goring Bloomers were delighted to receive a Gold Award in the Small Town category of Thames & Chilterns Region of the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom Competition 2024.
Representing the team of dedicated volunteers who work to keep the village looking great year-round, Chair Stephanie Bridle and Secretary Janet Hurst were presented with a framed certificate by RHS Communities Manager Pak Lin Wang. The ceremony took place on 25 September at Woodley Town Hall, where representatives from all the Bloom groups in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and
Buckinghamshire had gathered to celebrate their achievements.
Judges Steve Catanach and Kyle Downing visited Goring on 8 July to tour the village and assess the various projects which included the railway station, the Gardiner Recreation Ground and the BT wildflower site, as well as seeing the containers and hanging baskets in the High Street and other locations. They were also shown around Withymead Nature Reserve with an enthusiastic and expert
commentary by the warden Pete Morton. The visit ended at Goring Village Hall for a presentation and lunch with Bloom volunteers, with the delicious spread provided by Cleeve by Goring WI.
The judges were particularly impressed by the display of Goring Gap Environmental Group activities, which are led with great drive by Ron Bridle.
Impressing lead judge Steve Catanach was no easy task, as he heads up Amersham in Bloom, a group which is so successful that it is consistently nominated for the RHS National Competition, and won the ultimate accolade in 2022 of best entry in the whole UK. Nevertheless, Steve and his co-judge Kyle, were pleased by what they saw in Goring and wrote in the summary of their assessment:
Goring is a beautiful town that combines heritage, floral displays and environmental projects, each bringing positive benefits to the local community and leaving a lasting impression that enhances the visitor experience. It was fantastic to meet the volunteers, and to hear about the variety of projects and events that take place throughout the year. The floral displays are vibrant and it is wonderful to see so many businesses engaged in the Bloom initiative. Withymead Nature Reserve, a real highlight of the tour, is an exceptional haven for wildlife, with kingfishers, otters, owls, bats and grass snakes to name but a few; it really is a special sanctuary. The
reserve also plays host to forest schools who enjoy learning about the different types of plants and trees on the reserve, and of course hunting for bugs! The impressive work of the Goring Gap Environmental Organisation should be commended, helping
to bolster the local environmental quality of Goring. Community cohesion and civic pride were in in abundance throughout the tour, a tangible benefit that being involved in Bloom brings. Well done to all involved.
The Bloom committee would like to thank everyone who supports their efforts, most notably the team of volunteers who turn out whatever the weather to weed, trim and plant when necessary and who keep the containers watered and looking good, which is a big commitment. Even when it rains, tubs and troughs still need watering. Other unsung heroes are the litter pickers, who do a sterling
job, keeping the streets rubbish free on a regular basis. We are also grateful to the businesses who adorn their own premises with floral displays and to the parish council for funding the hanging baskets provided by Windowflowers.
Vandalism & Graffiti: Bloom to the rescue
This year has seen a rash of graffiti all over the village, on the railway bridges, the communications boxes and the road signs. Bloom enlisted the help of the local community police officer to try and find and educate the culprits, believed to be kids, as the artwork was not of a Banksy standard. The CPO went to the local comprehensive school and gave them a talk. Since then there has been no more graffiti, but we were left with the problem of how to clean it up. The biggest problem was the railway bridge at the top of the High Street. The owners are Network Rail, but they could not fund repainting, so Bloom had to get a grant from the parish council to cover the costs of around £1k and to do all the paperwork to get permission for the work. Members of the community rose to the challenge and volunteered to do the cleaning and painting. A special anti-graffiti coating has been applied to the paint, which means any more daubings should be easier to clean up.
For many years our Bloom efforts remained untouched. With the odd exception of a few beer cans thrown into a flower bed, we suffered no damage, but sadly times have changed. In the last year the troughs outside the public toilets were smashed up not once, but twice, on a Friday night. Even worse, the vandals put the contents of containers into the ladies toilets, making a revolting mess to be cleared up. Undeterred, we put out the usual tubs of tulips in the spring, and one of our members, a fine craftsman, made some new, heavy oak containers for the summer planting. Alas even one of these got tipped up, but we were able to rescue the contents. We are determined not to be beaten!
Before (above) and after (right), September 2023
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New Planters beside the Loos - 14th May 2024
On 14th May two new planters, donated by Bernard Novell, were positioned and planted up by Janet Hurst.
Plant sale success
On 11 May villagers thronged the Rectory Garden in Goring to pick up some gardening bargains at Goring on Thames in Bloom’s annual plant sale. Bloomers had grown and donated a wonderful selection of vegetable, herb and fruit plants which were soon snapped up. Tomato plants were probably the most popular item. Also available to buy was a large selection of perennials, shrubs and trees for people wanting to pep up their borders or fill a new bed. The Bloomers were happy to give the customers gardening advice, as well as to sell them plants. Over £750 was raised at the sale, which will help to replenish the coffers that have been raided recently to buy the summer planting for containers around the village. Thanks to everyone for their support.
New planters on Goring and Streatley Station
As well as the large, colourful and attractive bed of shrubs, grasses and perennial planting which brighten the otherwise utilitarian, hard landscaping on Platform 4, regular users of the station may have noticed three splendid new wooden planters adding to the green environment. These replace the previous painted troughs that had reached the end of their useful lives.
The new containers have now been filled with compost and planted up by Bloomers Jacqueline Wilkins and Marilyn Chambers. With the help of other volunteers they will look after the containers as they mature throughout the year.
Tribute to Myrna Anderson
Myrna Anderson, one of Bloom’s earliest volunteers and guiding lights, sadly died in June 2022. Myrna, who was the wife of Goring Head Teacher, Michael Anderson, and a retired teacher herself, was already working as a volunteer at the Primary School when she joined the Bloom team. She used her gentle communication skills and love of nature to encourage the children to plant bulbs and flowers, vegetables and soft fruit. Her environmental work was recognised when the school’s newly created wild life garden won an award and was visited by non-other than Chris Packham.
Myrna also worked as a volunteer in the Village’s Environmental Group. She took a great interest in the flora and fauna that abounded in St Thomas’ churchyard and never failed to impress the RHS Britain in Bloom judges with her extensive knowledge and dedication to caring for the local environment.
Goring on Thames in Bloom has welcomed the opportunity to recognise everything Myrna did for our village and a plaque expressing our gratitude can now be seen proudly displayed on the middle of the three new planters.
The new containers have now been filled with compost and planted up by Bloomers Jacqueline Wilkins and Marilyn Chambers. With the help of other volunteers they will look after the containers as they mature throughout the year.
Tribute to Myrna Anderson
Myrna Anderson, one of Bloom’s earliest volunteers and guiding lights, sadly died in June 2022. Myrna, who was the wife of Goring Head Teacher, Michael Anderson, and a retired teacher herself, was already working as a volunteer at the Primary School when she joined the Bloom team. She used her gentle communication skills and love of nature to encourage the children to plant bulbs and flowers, vegetables and soft fruit. Her environmental work was recognised when the school’s newly created wild life garden won an award and was visited by non-other than Chris Packham.
Myrna also worked as a volunteer in the Village’s Environmental Group. She took a great interest in the flora and fauna that abounded in St Thomas’ churchyard and never failed to impress the RHS Britain in Bloom judges with her extensive knowledge and dedication to caring for the local environment.
Goring on Thames in Bloom has welcomed the opportunity to recognise everything Myrna did for our village and a plaque expressing our gratitude can now be seen proudly displayed on the middle of the three new planters.
Goring on Thames in Bloom is entirely self-funded and relies on sales, donations and grants to carry out its activities. Help with fundraising is always welcome!
Please visit the other pages within this site for more information on our local work
