Britain in Bloom awarded Barry Ashby of Forres In Bloom the title of Community Champion

A volunteer was presented with a national award for his hard work and dedication by the Lord Lieutenant of Moray.

Forres In Bloom (FIB) stalwart Barry Ashby accepted his Britain in Bloom ‘Community Champion’ accolade from Major General Seymour Monro at Forres Town Hall.

Barry said: “I was very pleased and somewhat surprised to receive this award! There are many others doing great work around the town who deserve similar recognition - well done all.

“I enjoy the work I do and being an ex-serviceman, I feel very proud to play my part in maintaining the War Memorial and surrounding area.

“It’s very rewarding when folk walk by and express their appreciation for the work we do - it’s all part of making Forres such a great place to live.”

FIB secretary, Maj Gen Monro, said: “Barry’s immaculate tending of the War Memorial and the nearby roundabout give a great welcome to the start of the High Street and the centre of Forres.

“He deserves our enormous thanks for keeping this special area in such wonderful condition. It is excellent that Barry has been recognised by the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society.“

FIB secretary, Sandra Maclennan, nominated Barry for the award in recognition of his commitment to the team and Forres memorials for more than a decade.

She explained: “Barry is out in all weathers, all-year-round, maintaining the War and Nimrod Memorials, the streetscape and gardens.

“He’s honoured to maintain the monuments in memory of his Service comrades and those who lost their lives in the Nimrod crash of 2006.

“He’s a well known figure in his hi-viz vest almost every afternoon, mostly on his knees!”

The RAF Lossiemouth Pipe Band pipe major piped the Britain in Bloom judges into Grant Park in August.

“They praised his outstanding Scottish musicianship which welcomed them to Forres,” said Sandra. “They said the War Memorial was so clean you could eat your dinner off it and commended its outstanding roses and maintenance.”

She added: “The judges were very happy to endorse his recommendation and said ‘massive congratulations’!”

Barry has also previously won the ‘Best Kept War Memorial’ award for the high standard he sets for maintenance of the Forres statue.

“Barry is an unassuming and modest gentleman,” finished Sandra. “He works behind the scenes without ambition for glory and is averse to fuss and competition.

“his well-deserved award is for his unstinting efforts to remember his colleagues and support Forres In Bloom.”