Gold for the second year running in the South West in Bloom RHS competition. Trophy for highest marks in category from South West Travel Association. Sponsors’ Cup for the most meritorious entry.
Steve Pascall, chairman of Marlborough in Bloom, said, “This year we’ve really achieved something and it’s as the result of everyone’s efforts. We’ve put Marlborough well and truly on the map.”
Steve paid a particular tribute to the Town Council’s ground staff who had the difficult job of keeping all the flower tubs well watered during this summer’s extended hot spell.
“We’re not going to sit back now, we want to improve things further, get Marlborough looking even better. It’s not so much about gaining the awards but making the town better for everyone. Marlborough is a wonderful place, it deserves looking after and attracting even more visitors to the town.”
“My plans for next year include getting more children involved and growing things. We have lots of ideas,” he added.
In addition to the trophies several areas of the town did extremely well in the ‘In Your Neighbourhood’ section: Alma Place, The Merchant’s House, the Old Victorian Cemetery, Waterfront Garden, the Community Orchard, Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, Coopers Meadow and Marlborough College were all designated outstanding.
Preshute School’s rain garden and St Peter’s Churchyard were designated thriving and Plume of Feathers and The Mead as improving.
Action for the River Kennet also won the Sutton Seeds Cup for an Outstanding Area of Nature Conservation at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve. Speaking on BBC Radio Wiltshire, Anna Forbes, ARK Project Officer and Volunteer co-ordinator, said, “Conservation, biodiversity and community involvement have led to the award.”
She also praised the efforts of the one hundred and forty six ARK volunteers.
The cups and awards will be presented at the Marlborough in Bloom Annual General Meeting on November 8thin the Town Hall at 7 pm.
