On 11th November 2022, we said goodbye to our gardener, Ben Gray, as he starts a new chapter working at the wonderful South Park in Darlington. Ben has been with us since 2016 and has become a much-loved face round the town, seen daily on the blue tractor (earning the nicknames ‘Tractor Ben’ and ‘Plant Man’ by local children) and tending to our beautiful floral displays. Ben has also been an intrinsic part of Sedgefield’s Northumbria in Bloom entries and a valued member of our staffing team.

We held a small leaving presentation on 10th November which was attended by the Mayor of Sedgefield, Town Councillors, council staff, members of Sedgefield in Bloom and a few familiar faces. Special thanks to Cllr Ann Carr for baking an amazing chocolate cake for the occasion.

Do make sure to say hello if you see him in his new role!

Best of luck Ben, Sedgefield will miss you.

Once again, our beautiful town has been recognised for the magnificent floral displays and tubs curated and maintained by our gardening staff, Stephen Young and Ben Gray and all Sedgefield in Bloom volunteers.

At this year’s Northumbria in Bloom Awards presented on Wednesday 28th September 2022, Sedgefield won Gold and Best in Class for Small Towns!

The following local businesses/organisations also received the following:

• Ceddesfeld Hall – Gold and Best in Class (Grounds of a Hospital, University or Public Building)
• Sedgefield Cricket Club – Silver
• The Dun Cow – Silver Gilt
• The Hive of Sedgefield – Level  5 Outstanding (“It’s Your Nieghbourhood” Award)

Congratulations and thank you to all who played a vital part in showcasing the beauty of Sedgefield again this year.