Quorn visited by Bloom judges

EAST Midlands in Bloom judges were treated to a tour around Quorn and shown the hard, consistent work of volunteers in the village.

Judges Peter Benham and Penny Brown spent two hours admiring the good standard of upkeep in Quorn which is competing in the Small Town category.

There have been many floral and green additions to Quorn this year including new beds flanking the door at St Bartholomew’s Church initiated by the church property group.

The in Bloom group have cleared and planted the south facing side of Church View Garden - an area fronting onto the High Street adjacent to the church yard - and a number of shrubs, selected for their insect-attracting qualities, and oxeye daisies have been planted.

Other wild flowers have been added to help attract a range of wildlife and a planted hay manger has been installed on the wedding path.

The Great Central Railway Butler Henderson Cafe has got new bedding beds and blooming hanging baskets, and the management plan at Springfield Lake is producing the desired results; the pool is a real asset to the village.

New seats have been added to the footpath across Tom Long’s Meadow enhancing enjoyment of the area and already the new small pool has attracted several species of dragonfly.

As well as getting a chance to see the village’s new additions, judges met with pupils at St Bartholomew’s School who were keen to tell them about the food their raised beds had produced.

Judges also visited residents at Holloway House in their well tended garden and the Highthorne Lane allotments looked well kept and productive.

Norman Storr showed Peter and Penny the long border fronting the Mills, giving a lovely floral entrance into the centre of the village.

The tour finished in the grounds of Quorn Grange Hotel - which last year secured a gold in the Best Pub/ Hotel category and were the East Midlands category winners.

Michael Liggins has taken over looking after the hotel grounds, as Alison Saxby has relocated, and has kept it to the same high standard.

Jane Hollingworth, Quorn in Bloom co-ordinator, said: “Thanks to all our sponsors including the parish council and Tarmac - a list all our other sponsors is on our website at quorninbloom.wordpress.com - the PC ground staff for the planters and baskets, the judges who give their time and advice to us, the borough council for their support, the Great Central Railway, Quorn Grange Hotel for their hospitality and everyone who helps make our village beautiful.”

Pictured, from left to right, are Jane Hollingworth, the in Bloom co-ordinator, Janice King, David Warren, Andrew Brown, judge Penny Brown, Ann Brown, and judge Peter Benham.

Pictured are pupils from St Bartholomew’s School speaking to the judges.

Pictured, from left to right, are judge Peter Benham, David Smith, Quorn and Woodhouse Station inspector at the Great Central Railway, and judge Penny Brown. David is responsible for the planting at the station.

Pictured, centre, is Brenda Booth, about to show the judges around Holloway House.

The judges speaking to the Friends of Springfield Lake chairman Paul Blake, second from the left, and Ciaran Fern from Idverde, third from the left.

Quorn in Bloom volunteers showing the judges Church View Garden.