There was a record number of entries for this year's Ross Gazette Children's competition with Ross-in- Bloom and the judges, who were all members of Ross-in-Bloom, had the very difficult task of assessing them. As the judging marks follow the same method as for the gardens in the Ross-in-Bloom competition, marks are awarded out of 100%, it was possible for all the entries to win Gold. However there was only one garden this time which the three judges thought worthy of a Gold Award, that was the one made by Benjamin Lerigo, age seven, who scored more than 90%. Ross Preschool Playgroup, Amy King, Susan Yaldiz, Adam Middlecote and Sophie Lewis were awarded Silver Gilt. Lucy Drew-White, Katie Lewis, Elliot Walker, Luke and Liam Ashcroft, Daisy Nicholson and Immi Abbott won Silver and the 3rd Ross Brownies and Phoebe Walker achieved Bronze. The judges were particularly impressed with gardens that showed their creators were environmentally aware by building compost heaps and leaving wood piles for wild life. They also liked the 3rd Ross Brownies creations because of their sense of fun. The portfolio of pictures supplied by Ross Preschool Playgroup showed just how much effort the children had put into their garden and how much they enjoyed making it. Benjamin will be presented with a voucher from The Ross Gazette and he will receive the Ross Gazette shield at the Awards ceremony in September. Everyone who entered will receive a certificate and a small prize in appreciation of their efforts. Plans are already underway for an even bigger competition next year.
