Bloom stalwarts are granted a top award
TWO Loughborough in Bloom stalwarts have been granted a prestigious award by the High Sheriff of Leicestershire following a recent visit.
It came as a surprise to Harry and Pat Cook when the High Sheriff Professor Surinder Sharmer invited the pair to an award ceremony at Leicester Town Hall on Thursday, April 13.
Professor Sharmer, who has since handed over the role of High Sheriff to Tim Maxted, met the Cooks during a visit to Loughborough.
The High Sheriff visited the town to observe the work of Cobden Primary School, Human Rights and Equalities Charnwood and the Forest Road Green Belt - which Harry and Pat have transformed over the years.
The High Sheriff was taken on a tour of the Green Belt, a wildlife area nestled between Forest Road and Holt Drive, and he was shown the spring floral displays.
Following the visit, the Cooks received an email, sent on behalf of the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, informing them he wished to grant them an award for “outstanding service to the community”.
Harry said: “It all came as a big surprise. When the High Sheriff came to see us he loved the place and was bubbling over but this was totally unexpected.”
Pat added: “His wife said that when he came home he was full of it as he liked it so much and two days later we got the email.”
The email states the High Sheriff award is “in recognition of maintaining the Forest Road/Epinal Way roundabout and the 3.4 acre site at Forest Road Green Belt area, arguably the best tended and visually attractive roundabout within the Loughborough area.”
It continues: “This has also allowed opportunities for volunteering students from Mountfields Lodge and Hardwick House Schools, Glebe House Allotment Project and local Scout groups.”
Speaking of the award ceremony, Harry said: “We were shown round the building and had our photo taken. We thoroughly enjoyed the day.”