Proud moment for duo who work hard for the community

1:10pm Friday 10th October 2008

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MIDDLEWICH came out smelling of roses at the recent Community Pride Awards.

The town took two of the top accolades including Best Community Project for the Bull Ring project and green-fingered gardener Reg Hambley was given the Best Garden Award.

Judges were impressed with how well the Bull Ring has been utilised since it was revamped in 2005, particularly how it has become the hub for community events including the Friday Night Projects and the Xtra Factor.

Town Clerk Jonathan Williams praised events organiser Dave Thompson for all his hard work. “Obviously we are very proud and I think Dave deserves a big pat on the back for this.”

Pensioner Reg was also thrilled to be the proud owner of the best garden in the borough.

The 83-year-old said: “I was very surprised because I didn’t know anything about it. Carol Eccles rang me and said ‘what are you doing tonight’ and I said ‘same as every other night – watching TV’ so she picked me up and took me to the awards in Wilmslow.

“I was chuffed to bits to win.”

Widower Reg can be found in his blooming garden in Roundwood Close most days and grows all kinds of flowers from geraniums to fuchsias.

He added: “I started on February 20 this year and I grow all my own stuff – I don’t buy anything from a garden centre. I spend most days out in the garden – it’s my life.”

“I’ve been gardening since I was 14 and I started growing vegetable during the war and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

As well as tending to his own garden the retired postman also keeps his neighbour’s gardens in check.

“The lady next door but one is 96 so I cut her grass and I used to cut next door’s as well. I’m always looking after someone.”