Forest Holme Hospice in Poole has fought off fierce competition to win gold in the Loving Care Homes category in Poole in Bloom 2023.

The annual Poole in Bloom competition was founded to celebrate the efforts of local community groups, businesses, and households to make Poole a beautiful place to live. The hospice’s volunteer gardeners David Dawson, Viv Taylor and Petula Fishlock were awarded the commemorative plaque at the presentation evening on Wednesday October 25 at Compton Acres.

All the patient bedrooms at the hospice, which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients with life-limiting illnesses across Poole, Wimborne and Purbeck, overlook a central courtyard garden. This is maintained by the team of volunteers, along with the gardens at the front and the wildlife garden along the side of the hospice.

Sara Fripp, fundraising manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “This award is great recognition for our wonderful volunteer gardeners, David, Viv and Petula, who come every week to make sure our patients have a beautiful view to look out on from their bedroom windows.

“We cannot thank our green fingered volunteers enough for their tireless work to help Forest Holme bloom.”

The work carried out by the hospice, either at home or in the dedicated hospice facility, is supported by the Forest Holme Hospice Charity, which is tasked with raising £1 million each year due to limited NHS funding. Those interested in further information and supporting the charity’s work are invited to visit www.forestholmehospice.org.uk

Photo: Forest Holme volunteer gardeners David Dawson, Viv Taylor and Petula Fishlock won Gold at Poole in Bloom