Dwaine Wilson, a Resident Support Worker at Seagrave Court in
Nottingham, won Howard's special award for his work at the
scheme.
Dwaine was surprised but thrilled to win the prize. "I've worked
here six years and it's a great place," he said.
Howard said that he also considered Broadway Gardens' new
African gardens, Sunley Court's park theme, some of the amazing
ladies at New Oscott Village and Lark Hill Village, Roger's efforts
at James Beattie House, and the fantastic work at Brunel Court and
Yates Court for his prize.
School Court in Hednesford, New Oscott Village, Lark Hill
Village in Nottingham, and James Beattie House in Wolverhampton all
gained the highest scores from their medals, with Broadway Gardens
close behind.
Lynn Keatley, Administrator at School Court, said: "Well done
everyone who won awards today. The competition gets more intense
every year - long may it continue!"
Howard said that the judging this year was the hardest it has
ever been. "It is just so difficult," he said. "There are so many
little bits of effort that have developed into something huge.
Everyone here is blooming marvellous!"
Future residents from Shenley Wood Village in Milton Keynes came
along for the first time to size up the competition, and were able
to hear some of the amazing stories of gardening at the ExtraCare
retirement villages and schemes around the country.
Howard praised in particular Doreen from School Court, who
continued with her displays even after breaking her hip, and the
residents of Sunley Court in Kettering, who overrode the staff's
idea of doing a canal-themed garden and instead recreated a park
from their youth.
Yates Court resident Harry Kent, 91, was also singled out for
working tirelessly on his garden by himself and rebuilding it after
some local vandalism. He won a large gold medal for the Best
Individual Plot.
Residents and staff enjoyed themselves on the day, and
everyone's love of gardening was evident. Doris Ramsey, from Beacon
Park, is 90 and said she still loves to take part when she can. "I
can't do so much since my accident but you don't lose the interest,
do you?"
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Pictures (clockwise from top)
Gardening expert Howard Drury with award-winner Dwaine Wilson of
Seagrave Court
The Gardening Club from New Oscott Village
Yates Court resident Harry Kent, 91
See more pictures on Flickr!
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk