Marlborough in Bloom: the judges are coming on Tuesday

Marlborough’s debut campaign for the South West in Bloom competition reaches a climax on Tuesday (July 8) with the arrival in the town of the judges.

Andy Cole and Jan Pagano from the Royal Horticultural Society will be greeted at the Town Hall by Mayor Marian Hannaford-Dobson and the Marlborough in Bloom Committee.  Some of their carefully planned tour will be on foot, but for areas further afield there will be a car loaned for the day by T H White.

On their tour they will be accompanied by MiB Chair, Alison Galvin-Wright and the town’s grounds and estate manager, Richard Beale.  Apart from the High Street with its summery displays on shops and pubs, they will meet volunteers from the community groups and organisations who have been working on projects to improve the town.

These projects include the seventeenth century garden at the Merchants House, ARK’s work in Stonebridge Meadow, allotmenteers at Elcot Lane, the Marlborough Waterfront and the Diamond Jubilee Plantation at the Common.

The judges will visit both cemeteries, Priory Gardens, Coopers Meadow, the College and see the work of green fingered students at Preshute school.

Alison Galvin-Wright says the judges are bound to be impressed by the achievements of the town’s various  voluntary groups: “Everyone has worked so hard in the last few weeks to make sure that we show the judges that we have a community working together and proud ofMarlborough.  It’s our first attempt and a really good effort.”

And the Mayor has thanked all those who have helped – and particularly the businesses in and around the High Street.

It will be judging day too in the schools taking part in Marlborough in Bloom through a painting competition with a Poppies theme.  The Mayor will select the winners whose artwork will be sent through to the South West finals in Truro.

There is still time to help with a final brush-up in the town.  You can join the Community Clean-Up on Monday (July 7) which starts at 10am at Priory Gardens.  All are welcome – litter picking equipment and Hi Viz jackets will be supplied.  Hard hats will not be necessary, but sensible clothing is essential.

Photos by Eric Gilbert – with thanks.