Promising Promises …

 The Garden Industry manufacturers Association annual Awards are looking very promising for 2008.

GIMA Director, Neil Gow, has announced today that entries are up on last year, with all categories well supported. He told us:
“Given the general economic climate and tough trading conditions we had budgeted for a drop in the number of entries this year. However the resilience and forward thinking of our industry never ceases to surprise and entries are looking great. We are particularly    pleased to see a number of companies who have never entered before taking part. The new classifications of categories this year has generated additional interest with a good spread of entries across them all.”

Judging has been completed and now attention focuses on the GIMA awards Gala Dinner and Presentation evening. This takes place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel and promises to be a great evening. Including dinner, awards presentation and ample opportunity to network, there is always an element of fun by way of the evenings entertainment. Last year saw the fabulous Singing Waiters appear from nowhere but this year all we could get from the GIMA office was: “we promise you will not be disappointed, but you will have to wait and see …”

However GIMA have confirmed that TV show host Roy Walker will take to the stage to entertain guests. Well known to TV viewers through top ITV game show ‘Catchphrase’,
Roy Walker has gained the honour of one of the “driest” comedians in Britain today. 

Belfast born, Roy’s career started at the age of fourteen as a soprano in the celebrated Francis Longford Choir.  He was Northern Ireland Champion Hammer Thrower for two years and served seven years in the army before moving to England and becoming a professional comedian –
touring in clubs and cabaret.  Like so many of the best loved and funniest comedians he came to national prominence through TV’s ‘New Faces’.

“so if you have booked to come to the awards dinner this year, you had better be ready   for a real good laugh” continued Neil.

Places are still available at the dinner and for overnight accommodation.

Best in the industry rewarded at sparkling 2007 event

The secrets were out - the finalists and winners of the prestigious GIMA Awards were announced at the event of the industry year. Over 500 guests appluaded the winners and the entertainment, provided by Bobby Davro.

Husqvarna took GIMA Sword of Excellence for Flymo Pac a Shredder

Westland Unwins won Award for Marketing Excellence for Seed Potato Merchandiser

Gardman & Sinclair shared Supplier of the Year Award

The stage is set for the awards	GCA Winners Wm Sinclair and Gardman	Julie tells us about the good sex guide