Britain in Bloom judges visit town
THE judges who will decide whether Loughborough’s Bloom is the best in Britain arrived in town last week.
Loughborough has been selected to represent the East Midlands in the small city category at the national awards organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Loughborough is up against the likes of Bury, Derry, Harrogate, Kirkcaldy and Rugby.
Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom judges James Cordingley and Bill Ronald were given a tour of the town which included Taylor’s Bell Foundry and Loughborough University.
The pair also visited the gardeners in Chapman Street, Mountfields Allotment, the Forest Road Green Belt, Hardwick House School, Stonebow Washlands and Three Close Tenants.
The tour ended in Queen’s Park and included a small reception held while the rains came down.
The Mayor of Charnwood, Coun Brenda Seaton, welcomed everybody saying that Loughborough is amazing: “What a fantastic display of colour out there.
“Well done to everybody who has taken part in this and made it a success.”
Judge James Cordingley added: “On behalf of the RHS, Bill and myself would like to thank everybody for inviting us to Loughborough today. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
“It really is about community here and we’ve seen that in strength today.
“We’ve also seen the rain - but that doesn’t worry us at all. We’ve had a terrific day.”
The tour followed another visit two weeks previously, when the town was also judged for this year’s East Midlands in Bloom awards
Loughborough in Bloom is supported by a large number of community groups, residents, businesses and organisations from across the town, including Charnwood Borough Council.
Coun Jenny Bokor, the council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “Although it started to rain towards the end of their tour, I hope they were able to see how hard our volunteers work to help Loughborough blossom.
Marion Smith, Loughborough in Bloom chair, said: “It’s been a very busy year for our volunteers, and everyone involved with Loughborough in Bloom.
“Community groups and volunteers have been working around the clock to ensure green spaces and gardening projects are in full bloom and look wonderful.
“Taking part in the national competition is a real testament to everyone’s hard work and dedication.”
The winners will be announced at a national awards ceremony in October.