IN BLOOM - Pembridge has won a gold award in the Royal Horticultural Society 2012 Heart of England in Bloom competition and has been judged best in the large village category in all the counties of the West Midlands. The gold award is given to exceptional achievers who demonstrate a consistently high standard in all areas of judging – village appearance, environmental impact, community involvement and sustainability This year’s entry was led by members of the Pride in Pembridge team of about a dozen people from different village groups, businesses and the parish council, plus enthusiastic individuals, who keep the village tidy throughout the year. Others organise seasonal events such as bonfire night celebrations, the scarecrow and hanging basket competitions and the magical display of Christmas trees illuminating the village throughout the month of December. The judges were particularly impressed by the Riverside Project – a conservation area established in 2009 with funding from Kingspan. Otters and kingfishers have been seen from the riverbank and salmon have been known to breed here, too.

Firmly judged to one of the best villages in the region, Pembridge has been recommended for entry into the national Britain in Bloom competition in 2013.

COFFEE - Macmillan coffee mornings will take place at The Old Gallery tomorrow (Friday) between 11am and 1pm and at The King’s House between 10.30am and 12pm.

MARKET - The last craft and produce market of the season is on Saturday, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, at Pembridge Market Hall.