Forres In Bloom to compete in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom finals this year
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THE TOWN'S most hard working and visible volunteers have been shortlisted for UK-wide recognition.
Forres In Bloom (FIB) has reached the final of Britain in Bloom, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and has also been chosen to feature in a national, annual horticultural magazine.
"We are honoured to be chosen by Beautiful Scotland to represent Scotland in this year's Britain in Bloom campaign," explained FIB secretary Sandra Maclennan. "We are looking forward to the challenge and have begun to make plans."
Four groups successful in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s 2023 Beautiful Scotland competition nominated by the environmental charity have now reached the Royal Horticultural Society’s UK-wide Britain in Bloom final. Results will be announced at the prestigious award ceremony in October.
Last year, Forres in Bloom scooped the top award at Beautiful Scotland – the prestigious Rosebowl – as well as the Community Horticulture Award and the Medium Town Category.
FIB now becomes one of five finalists in the 'Town' category alongside others from regions of England.
Three other Scottish groups – North Berwick in Bloom, Bonnie Dundee and Lauder in Bloom – have also made the finals in different categories.
Fifty-two groups from across the UK will be competing in 11 categories. Judges will tour the UK between July 24 and August 16, with the results being revealed at the awards on October 21.
Juliette Camburn is senior community initiatives officer with Keep Scotland Beautiful.
She said: "It’s fantastic to see FIB reach the UK finals. All of our Beautiful Scotland groups do so much spectacular work in their communities. They are committed to climate and nature action, and the preservation and enhancement of their neighbourhoods.
"To see four groups reach the UK finals highlights how important and appreciated their work is. They are fully deserving of their place.”
Recognising their success and impact, FIB features in the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society annual journal 'The Caledonian Gardener'.
Sandra said: "We're a role model for other community groups. The Caledonian's editor Stan De Prato worked with us to share how we have continued over the years while becoming self-supporting."
FIB relies on volunteers to help maintain the town's high standards. A core group of 16 meet every Sunday. Two volunteers choose to work six-days-a-week and another six several days-a-week.
Junior section, the Wee FIBbees meet weekly from April to October to look after their own garden beside Grant Park. All volunteers have a wide variety of tasks while looking after professional standard greenhouses and tools.
FIB needs more volunteers, especially younger residents.
"No gardening expertise is required," said Sandra. "Volunteers learn skills from our experienced gardeners.
"We are presently in a maintenance period: cleaning pots and tools; cleaning greenhouses; maintaining equipment; and general upkeep, such as painting sheds etc."
See https://www.forresinbloom.org.uk/ for more information.
FIB's responsibilities have increased as Moray Council's have decreased due to cutbacks.
Sandra finished: "We could not do what we do without the amazing financial support from local businesses, groups and residents. Appreciation from residents and visitors makes our efforts so rewarding."
