An afternoon of thundery showers did nothing to dampen the pride of the entrants or the delight of the judges as they toured the gardens entered in this year's event, organised by the Parish Council to win the Lincolnshire Echo C.W. Gardens Trophy.

Entries had been invited from all residents, who could specify which part of their garden, front, back or all, they wished to have judged. Preliminary judging took place in June on July 30th. Mrs. Margaret Brown, local garden expert and Chairman of the Lincolnshire Group of the Hardy Plant Society, accompanied by the Chairman, Clerk and other members of the Parish Council came to complete the task of selecting the winner.

She was very impressed by the high standard of all the gardens visited. They were obviously the result of many hours of dedicated care. They were well-planned and carefully maintained. Mrs. Brown had an unenviable task in having to chose a winner. She said, "In the end I had to apply very strict criteria i.e. I had to consider whether or not the garden worked in its totality. I looked for co-ordination of planning and planting, to see if there was balance between each area, and blend of colour schemes. I also thought of what the garden would have to offer during other seasons of the year. I would certainly like to express my congratulations to all entrants."

Mrs. Brown finally decided to declare joint winners - Mr. and Mrs. Collins of St. Matthew's Close and Mr. and Mrs. Traheam of Larkin Avenue.

The presentation evening was on October 21st., when the Lincolnshire Echo cup and certificates for all entrants were awarded.

The Parish Council is hoping to organise a similar competition in 2003.