FOLLOWING Covid-related delays the winner of the 2021 ‘Penarth in Bloom’ best decorated Christmas planter competition has been awarded.

Penarth Town Mayor, Cllr Ian Buckley, has presented the winners – Penarth Masonic Hall whose display spanned the whole frontage of the iconic hall – with a certificate and bouquet.

The awards were gifted to chairman Gordon Shcumak, and his wife Chris,by Cllr Ian Buckley who was also the competition judge.

The Freemasons have had a presence in Penarth since 1878. Before the current venue was built in 1927, members met in the Royal British Legion in station approach.

The hall is fully licenced for events, conferences, and weddings for up to 140 guests with a range of onsite facilities including a kitchen and bar.

Penarth Freemasons support local and national charities – they recently completed a six-year fundraising event which raised 5.94 million across the lodges in South Wales.

More locally, Penarth Freemasons recently donated £1,350 to Ysgol Y Deri to help with buying paddle boards and surf equipment, which needed replacement following a theft.

Cllr Buckley said: “Penarth Freemasons have taken part in the Christmas tree competition for many years and are proper supportive of our local community.

“The display was stunning, and I hope this award shows how much we appreciate their efforts for Penarth.

“I would also like to make a special mention of the display by the Penarth Eye Centre which was also top class”

Christmas planters were distributed to more than 60 businesses and organisations across Penarth.

The best decorated planter competition is run every year by Penarth Town Council as part of the ‘Penarth in Bloom’ Christmas Scheme. It hopes to encourage the community to plant, grow and explore the town as well as improving Wales’ gardens by the sea.

If you would like to hear more about Penarth in Bloom scheme for this year email Enquiries@PenarthTownCouncil.gov.uk for more information about how you can be involved.