A new memorial trophy has been awarded for the first time at the Cumbria in Bloom Awards, where gardeners and community champions gathered at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.

The annual ceremony, sponsored by David Allen, took place on Monday, October 5. It recognised individuals, schools, businesses and community groups whose work has helped make neighbourhoods across Cumbria greener and more welcoming.

Award created in memory of Alan Heath

The inaugural Alan Heath Trophy for Outstanding Contribution was presented to John Hamblin. The award was created in memory of Mr Heath, a dedicated horticulturalist and founding member of Cumbria in Bloom, who died in November last year.

Radio presenter Val Armstrong attended as a special guest and helped present the awards. Cumbria in Bloom also thanked its volunteer judges and the local business sponsors who supported the charity during the year.

Keith McIntosh, chair of Cumbria in Bloom, said the summer weather had made the work especially demanding.

“Summer 2026 has certainly tested Cumbria’s gardeners. The prolonged dry weather made growing and maintaining displays much more difficult, but what our judges saw as they travelled around the county was truly inspiring.”

He said the competition was about more than planting and displays, describing it as a way for people to take pride in their communities, improve the environment and create places that make people feel good.

“The standard this year has been remarkable, and I would like to congratulate everyone who entered and thank all those who have given their time, energy and enthusiasm to make Cumbria bloom.”

Winners recognised across Cumbria

The results included awards for schools, villages, towns, tourism businesses, railway stations, allotments and community projects. Dane Ghyll was named overall winner in the schools category, while St Mary’s Catholic Primary School won the woodland copse award.

  • Pride in your community: Nobles Rest for cemeteries and parks; Crosby Garret for hamlets; Beckermet for small villages; Dalston for large villages; Dalton with Newton for towns; and Whitehaven for coastal towns.
  • Tourism: The Mount for B&Bs; Georgan House Hotel for small hotels; Castle Green Hotel for large hotels; Park Cliff for holiday parks; Crumble Cottages for self-catering; and The Muddy Duck for visitor attractions.
  • Special awards: Wigton and Bootle for IYN railway stations; Kingstown for IYN allotments; Beckbottom for the RHS IYN distinction award; Harrington Nature Reserve for the RHS community award for wildlife; Debbie Wright as community champion; and John Hamblin for outstanding contribution.

McIntosh said the new trophy was a fitting way to remember Heath’s contribution to Cumbria in Bloom and horticulture in the county.

“It is fitting that his name will live on through an award recognising people who demonstrate the commitment, generosity and passion that Alan himself brought to everything he did.”

Entries for the 2027 Cumbria in Bloom competition are due to open in February.