LIPHOOK in Bloom has held its presentation evening.

Paul Johnson opened the event by thanking everyone for their support for Liphook in Bloom.

President Terry Burns was unable to attend, so his daughter Mel Burns read the president’s speech.

The children’s competition for a garden in a tin was won by Scarlet Shackleton from Liphook Junior School, the best shop window went to Route 6, the newcomer award was won by Gordon and Sally Clarke, and the best overall award went to Peter and Diane Renouf.

The chairman’s award was given to Jan Roles.

Liphook in Bloom chairman Irene Ellis said: “Jan has been part of the Liphook in Bloom team from almost the beginning and right from the start became a key member.

“She began by helping in the beds and doing a bit of paper work, which increased to a lot more as the years went on.

“I am giving her this award not just for the sterling work she has done for Liphook in Bloom but for all the help, time and support she has given to all the other voluntary groups in the village.

“The only way I can describe her is she is just a fantastic lady who can’t say no.”

Liphook in Bloom is also looking for more volunteers to help in the future.

Irene said: “The time has come for the core team members to think about retiring as many of them have been doing it for 18 years.

“When it started we were all fit young men and women with lots of energy and enthusiasm.

“Unfortunately our bodies, particularly our backs and knees, and sometimes our heads, are telling us we are on the downward slope and need to stop organising our lives around the planting seasons.

“We are planning to hang up our forks and spades at the end of 2017 after we have made one final grand design in our beds to celebrate 20 years of Liphook in Bloom.”

A meeting will be held in the Canada Room at Liphook Millennium Centre at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 10.

Anyone can attend to join discussions on how the core team members can retire.