Hinckley Times

Bloomtown takes top title for third time

- RACHEL PARRISH rachel.parrish@trinitymir­ror.com

BRITAIN IN BLOOM judges have named Market Bosworth the joint best blooming large village in the whole of the country.

Royal Horticultu­ral Society assessors could not split the points between the historic midlands market town and Usk in Wales, which both earned RHS Gold medals for their entries and shared the category title.

As a result, Bosworth in Bloom volunteers have been invited to compete in a prestigiou­s Champion of Champions competitio­n in 2018.

It is the third time that the town has scooped the national category title since first entering the high-profile competitio­n in 1986.

Previous wins came in 1988 and in 2012, with a regional Champion of Champions win in 2010, always in the large village category, based on population.

Every year judges look for not only horticultu­ral excellence but community involvemen­t and a sustainabl­e, environmen­t-friendly approach to plantings and projects.

This year, the community involvemen­t was particular­ly highly praised, as schools and community groups across the town, from the youngest Rainbow guides and Beavers to members of Market Bosworth WI and Rotary Club all played a part in creating and maintainin­g the town’s rainbow-themed displays.

In addition, judging days for both regional and national Bloom competitio­ns were used to raise funds for Loughborou­gh-based Rainbows Hospice for children and young people, which serves the whole of the east midlands region in which the town’s regional entry is judged.

Following the annoucemen­t of the results at a Britain in Bloom ceremony in Llandudno in Wales, Bosworth in Bloom supporter Peter Loseby said: “It should be recognised that the standard that national judges expect is higher than those in the regional competitio­n and so to come out top again is a wonderful tribute to the team of volunteers who have worked so hard for this outstandin­g achievemen­t.”

Bosworth in Bloom chairman Chris Hooker said the accolades were a tribute to everyone involved.

“At the start of the year, we had great hopes for our Colours of the Rainbow theme but I don’t think that we could have anticipate­d just how good it would be.

“Fantastic floral displays, an enormous amount of work from our volunteers and the wholeheart­ed support of the community created the most successful Bosworth in Bloom for many years.”

 ??  ?? Royal Horicultur­al Society judges, centre, who visited Market Bosworth in the summer and met youngsters who had planted barrows as part of Bosworth in Bloom
Royal Horicultur­al Society judges, centre, who visited Market Bosworth in the summer and met youngsters who had planted barrows as part of Bosworth in Bloom

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