A PEASEDOWN St John volunteer gardening group is celebrating after receiving not just one but two silver-gilt Bath in Bloom awards for its work at Ashgrove Cemetery and Jubilee Garden.

The group undertakes the work on behalf of Peasedown St John Parish Council and have dedicated the awards to two much-missed volunteers who recently passed away.

Gill Rogers tended Jubilee Garden from its creation in 2023, while Les Sprake, a parish councillor, was part of the original volunteer team at Ashgrove Cemetery.

Both worked tirelessly to keep the gardens in good order and the group says the awards are a fitting tribute to their dedication.

Howard Hartley, accompanied by Gill’s husband, Alan Rogers, collected the certificates on behalf of the group at the Bath in Bloom awards ceremony on August 27 at Hayesfield School in Bath.

The awards were presented by the right worshipful Mayor of Bath, councillor Ruth Malloy.

Bath in Bloom recognises horticultural excellence, community involvement and environmental responsibility across Bath and within the boundary of Bath & North East Somerset.

Chair of Peasedown St John Parish Council, Cllr Jonathan Rich,: “We are delighted that our volunteer gardeners have been recognised for their outstanding work to maintain and improve the Jubilee Garden and Ashgrove cemetery.

“Gill and Les were key members of this group and will be sadly missed but would have been very proud of the awards now dedicated to them.”

The volunteers meet every Thursday morning at 10am to maintain the two sites. Their work helps keep the gardens looking beautiful while creating wildlife-friendly habitats through thoughtful planting.

New volunteers are always welcome to join the group and support its work in the village.

Please contact Peasedown St John Parish Council for further details: 01761 433686 or email [email protected].