Britain in Bloom judges impressed by Forres In Bloom’s community effort for competition
Volunteers guided judges from a prestigious, national competition around the town’s floral displays with help from groups who tend them.
Forres In Bloom (FIB) secretary, Sandra Maclennan, proudly showed off our immaculate streets to Britain in Bloom adjudicators Geraldine King and Nick Jones.
Sandra said: “My toast fell jam side down that morning and we continued to be jammy!
“It was a beautiful sunny day to show Forres at its best to two charming and appreciative judges.”
https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/town-needs-help-to-win-britain-in-bloom-356960/
Ahead of the tour, FIB’s final preparations included feeding and weeding displays, clearing pond weed and cleaning High Street shop fronts.
FIB juniors the Wee FIBees led the judges around their garden behind Grant Park car par, discussing what they have learned about horticulture and environmentalism.
Forres Friends of Woods and Fields welcomed the visitors to their farmland and orchard at Chapelton, where they teach the community about organic food growth and other environmentally sound practices.
The Sanquhar Working Group was on-hand at the beauty spot to talk about making user-friendly pathways around its pond, eradicating invasive species such as Rhododendron and Himalayan Balsam, and encouraging wildlife to thrive .
Sandra then took the judging party to Mannachie Park where Moray Council community support officer, Laura Cameron, shared plans for the site including improved play facilities based on community consultation. She also focused on the community fruit orchard, native flower areas and tree planting.
FIB volunteer Barry Ashby met the group at the War Memorial and Victoria Hotel roundabout, then the War Veterans Cottages, to see the displays around the model Nimrod.
“Barry looks after the areas,” explained Sandra. “This entails clearing and repairing paved areas and street furniture, maintaining rose beds, weeding and sweeping the streets.
“We explained the town’s connection with the RAF and Royal Engineers.”
They moved on to the Mosset Burn to meet with representatives of Findhorn, Nairn and Rivers Trust who highlighted plans including eradicating hogweed and mink.
Moving back through High Street to Grant Park, Sandra explained how volunteers follow good horticultural practices while highlighting floral art sculptures and wildflower beds at Anderson’s Primary School - part of the ‘Beds For Bees’ project.
She also explained how 446 (Forres) Squadron, Air Training Corps help with weeding and street cleaning as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
They finished up at the Falconer Museum and Tolbooth to talk about local heritage and tourism, including the Forres Connected-Culture and Heritage scheme.
Finally, FIB took the judging pair to St Leonard’s Church Hall for lunch.
Sandra confirmed they appeared to be very appreciative and interested, asking numerous questions of everyone they met.
“The judges complimented everyone for their involvement and expertise,” she said. “We were very fortunate that four new volunteers came forward, including several who came in the last week to help with finishing touches.”
https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/forres-wins-overall-beautiful-scotland-award-325978/
She added: “Britain in Bloom offers the opportunity to showcase our special town and the many activities which meet their ‘plants, people and planet’ criteria.
“Forre In Bloom has crucial support from residents and businesses who keep their own premises pristine.
“We will find out what we can improve on at the awards ceremony in October.
“We’ve all done our best and demonstrated the huge pride in where we live.
“A gold medal would be the icing on the cake!”
https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/britain-in-bloom-finalists
