Sevenoaks’ Young Champions presented with prestigious RHS Britain in Bloom awards

Published: 26 November 2025

Two dedicated young volunteers, Willow and Bonnie, have been celebrated as the Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Tony Clayton, and the Chair of Sevenoaks in Bloom, Cllr Dr Merilyn Canet, visited their schools, Weald of Kent and Lady Boswell’s, to present them with RHS Britain in Bloom Young Champion Awards.

Sevenoaks in Bloom achieved ‘Gold’ in the national finals of RHS Britain in Bloom in the Town Centres and City Centres category. Community involvement is a key element of the judging criteria, so Willow and Bonnie played an essential role in Sevenoaks’ success.

RHS Britain in Bloom’s Young Champion Award recognises inspiring volunteers under the age of 21 who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their community.

Willow, aged 11 at the time of volunteering, supported Sevenoaks in Bloom by crocheting two beautifully crafted toppers for post boxes in Sevenoaks. Inspired by this year’s campaign theme, ‘Celebrating Bugs’, Willow created one topper featuring a queen bee, beehive and multi-coloured flowers, and the other with a butterfly surrounded by flowers.

Bonnie, aged 10 at the time of volunteering, earned her Young Champion Award by organising a sponsored litter pick to raise money for flowers, which she then planted at the Vine. She did this with her friend Emma, who was also thanked by the Mayor at Lady Boswell’s school assembly.

The Mayor of Sevenoaks said, ‘Only three people in Britain received a Young Champion RHS Britain in Bloom Award, and two of them were from Sevenoaks. Willow and Bonnie should be very proud of their achievements. It’s fantastic to have such dedicated young people in our community’.

The Sevenoaks in Bloom team will be seeking more volunteers to help with gardening, cleaning and crafts next year, and welcomes anyone who would like to get involved. For more information, visit the Sevenoaks in Bloom webpage or email communityeng@sevenoakstown.gov.uk.