Winners "Small Town" Category 2008   For the first time Battle won the best "Small Town" category in the South East. The picture shows the Town mayor Ron Harris and Margaret Emeleus, Chairman of Beautiful Battle collecting the award from Chris Collins presenter of BBC TV's Blue Peter Garden.
	Winners "Small Parks" Gategory 2008   For the second year in succession Battle's Almonry Garden was awarded Gold and winner of the "Small Parks" category. The picture shows Councillor David Hussey and Beautiful Battle's Simon Alexander collecting the award from Chris Collins.   Simon Alexander leads the team of volunteers from Beautiful Battle who maintain the Almonry Gardens for the Town Council.
	Neighbourhood Entries 2008 Two of Battle's residential estates received "Outstanding" awards, the highest possible, in the "Small Neighbourhood" category.   The top picture shows Kymberley Paige, manager of Saxonwood Court with Diana Godbolt one of the residents receiving their certificate.           The bottom picture shows Wellington Court residents Keith and Chanita Baalham receiving their "Outstanding" certificate.   Battle's other two entries were St Martins (who received an RHS "Merit" certificate for the second year) and newcomers 1-6 Senlac Gardens who received the RHS "Improvement" certificate. They also recently received the Rother Homes "Best Estate" award in their annual garden competition.
	SE in Bloom 2008 Individual Awards There was a surprise award for Battle resident John Hill from Glengorse who won the South East "Waterwise Award". (NB the SE in Bloom competition is sponsored by Southern Water.) This is awarded by the judges to the individual who they feel has shown exceptional efforts in the conservation and use of water in the garden.   The picture shows John collecting his award from Ron Harris and Margaret Emeleus.
	SE in Bloom Commendation Award 2008   Last but not least Beautiful Battle Chairman, Margaret Emeleus, received a very special SE in Bloom Commendation Award in recognition of her dedication and support for the SE in Bloom cause over many years. The picture shows Margaret collecting her award at the end of a very successful day!
The picture above shows Claverham students planting a new bed earlier this year The picture above shows a willow structure at Netherfield School The picture above shows pupils at Battle & Langton school preparing their vegetable beds	SE in Bloom 2008 "Schools" Category    This year there were three entries from Battle in the "Schools" category. These were judged in early summer and the results were announced just before the end of summer term. They were as follows: - Ivyland Farm They entered the "Special" schools category and were delighted to be awarded a "Silver Gilt" medal for their work with special needs students at this outreach centre of Plumpton College in Netherfield Claverham Community College. They entered in the "Secondary" schools category (the only secondary school in the SE to enter). They were awarded a Bronze medal and so improved on the award received in 2007. Netherfield School. entered the "Primary" schools category and were also awarded a Bronze medal. In addition the work of Battle & Langton Primary school was shown to the judges as part of the main Town entry to show the overall interest by the local schools to the aims of SE in Bloom.
	SE in Bloom 2008 "Other Highlights"   The two judges from SE in Bloom were met by Saxon Knight Bobby Wait of "Battel Bonfire Boyes" on Abbey Green and were read a proclamation granting them safe passage through the town.   The judges each received a "Battle Bag" as a souvenir of their visit.
	Judges Meet the "Rainbows"    SE in Bloom judges Brian Stevens and Reg Harrison were met by representatives of the Battle Rainbows beside their colourful bedding display at Market Square.
	Ivyland Students Cottage Garden   The judges were very impressed by the "Cottage Garden" constructed outside the Ambulance station by the students of Ivyland Farm Special School. The picture shows them discussing the project with College staff  Sarah Harper and Lucy Andrew who designed the scheme and supervised its construction by the students, many of whom have learning difficulties.   The students not only grew the plants and planted the bed but also constructed the wattle fence, archway and gate leading into the garden. They were delighted to be awarded a SE in Bloom Certificate of Excellence
	Glengorse Dry Garden   The dry garden was designed by John and Pam Robbins and they were helped in the construction by a scouting volunteer as his "community" contribution to a Queen's Scout Award. It was awarded a SE in Bloom Certificate of Excellence.   The grass verge is also being maintained by two volunteers from Glengorse who cut the grass regularly through the summer.
	Sexton's Cottage Garden   Adjacent to the Town's cemetery is this jewel of a garden. The judges were shown around by Linda and Tony Osman who were awarded a SE in Bloom Certificate of Excellence for their display
	Almonry Garden   The final stop on the judging route was the Almonry Garden where the judges received welcome refreshments before travelling on to the next town to be judged that afternoon. The volunteers who maintain the garden were awarded a SE in Bloom Certificate of Excellence

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