Bloomtown takes top title for third time
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.”