The award is a wonderful achievement for the St Wilfrid’s Priory team and reflects the hard work, creativity and enthusiasm that residents, colleagues, families and the wider community have brought to the home’s gardens.

From colourful planting and carefully tended borders to inviting spaces designed for relaxation and socialising, the gardens at St Wilfrid’s Priory have become an important part of everyday life at the home.

The Trust in Bloom competition celebrates the positive impact that gardens and outdoor spaces can have within care communities, encouraging homes to create environments where residents can enjoy nature, spend time outdoors and take part in gardening activities.

At St Wilfrid’s Priory, residents have played an important role in developing and caring for the garden, sharing their own gardening knowledge and helping to choose plants and flowers. The project has provided opportunities to reminisce, get creative and enjoy the simple pleasures of watching plants grow and bloom.

The regional win is also a testament to the home’s efforts to make the garden accessible and enjoyable throughout the seasons, creating a space where residents can meet with friends and family, enjoy a cup of tea or simply take a moment to appreciate the outdoors.

Lorraine Hiller said: 

We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as a regional winner in Trust in Bloom. Our garden means so much to everyone at St Wilfrid’s Priory, and it has been fantastic to see residents, families and colleagues come together to create and enjoy such a special space. It is a real team achievement, and we are incredibly proud of everyone who has contributed. Most importantly, the garden is here for our residents to enjoy, and seeing the pleasure it brings them is the greatest reward.

Linda Knifton, Area Operations Manager, said: 

It is incredibly special to see St Wilfrid’s Priory recognised as a regional winner in Trust in Bloom. Having recently celebrated recognition at the OSJCT Leadership Conference 2026, I appreciate how special it is to receive an award and I am really proud that one of the homes within my area achieved  this recognition, which is a wonderful reminder of what can be accomplished when individuals come together with passion and creativity. The garden at St Wilfrid’s Priory is about so much more than how it looks. It is a space where residents can spend time outdoors, share memories, get involved in gardening and enjoy meaningful moments with family, friends and colleagues. This award is a fantastic reflection of committed people working together on a project which will benefit and enhance the lives of those living at St Wilfrid’s the residents.  My sincere thanks and congratulations to the residents, the home’s volunteers, families and visiting children from the local pre-school who have helped make the garden such a special part of the home.

Matthew Jones, Divisional Director, said: 

We are incredibly proud of everyone at St Wilfrid’s Priory for being named a regional winner in Trust in Bloom. This is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful reflection of the care, creativity and community spirit that can be seen throughout the home. What makes this recognition particularly special is the involvement of the residents and the team in creating a garden that is not only beautiful, but a meaningful space for people to enjoy, connect with nature and spend quality time together. The commitment shown by everyone at St Wilfrid’s Priory is truly commendable, and they should be very proud of this well-deserved regional success.

Awards such as Trust in Bloom are important because they recognise the positive impact that a welcoming and thoughtfully designed environment can have on residents’ wellbeing. At St Wilfrid’s Priory, the garden provides more than a beautiful outdoor space; it creates opportunities for residents to enjoy fresh air, connect with nature, stay active and socialise with others. Gardening and spending time outdoors can also encourage reminiscence, stimulate the senses and provide a sense of purpose and achievement. The award celebrates the team’s dedication to creating an environment where residents can feel at home, enjoy meaningful experiences and make the most of everyday life.

The home is now looking forward to building on the success and continuing to develop the garden, with more opportunities for residents to get involved, enjoy the changing seasons and make lasting memories outdoors.

The regional Trust in Bloom award is a fitting recognition of the care and attention that goes into creating not just a beautiful garden, but a place that feels like home.