Britain in Bloom judges are being guided around Forres from St Catherine’s Road to Victoria Road
Take a look around you - isn’t the town looking beautiful!
Volunteers tending the floral displays in Forres from St Catherine’s Road to Victoria Road all year round are calling for help to keep it that way.
Especially today (Wednesday, July 31), while UK-wide competition judges Geraldine King and Nick Jones are being given a guided tour by Forres In Bloom (FIB).
FIB secretary Sandra Maclennan confirmed Forres was selected by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful to represent the country in this year's Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom final in the ‘Town’ category.
She said: “If you’ve been out and about in the town you’ll have seen us cleaning pavements and weeding, watering and feeding our displays. We’re working hard to present Forres at its best with help from volunteers, businesses and local groups.
“The final prep involves weeding and feeding. Thousands of weeds spring up every day so we pull them out around the Tolbooth, Museum Square, at the community centre and around Anderson's Primary School. We also clean the town’s street furniture, including bins and posts.”
She added: “446 (Forres) Squadron, Air Training Corps have been a real asset. They’ve been doing this for weeks and last night raked up detritus under trees in Grant Park. They’re a wonderful group of young people and a credit to their group and parents.
“We’ve also had help from new volunteers Kate and Agnes, who’re out weeding every day; Connor has adopted the nimrod bed at the War Veterans Cottages and is doing an amazing job - 1st Forres Scouts will help him when they resume after the holidays; while Angela, Louise and Henrietta are cleaning detritus at Grant Park’s gate and along pavements and walls along Victoria Road.
“However, more help is always welcome! Volunteers litter pick and clear weeds but everyone can help by respecting the planting in public areas.
“And please say hello if you meet us with the judges!”
Forres in Bloom started in 1990 when a group of gardeners agreed to participate in partnership with Moray Council in Entente Florale Europe 1990 and were awarded second place. They make Forres beautiful via conservation, biodiversity, sustainable planting and responsible management of the environment.
Britain in Bloom is the largest horticultural campaign in the UK. Around 80 communities are selected to enter the national finals every year. Groups are assessed for their achievements in three core pillars: Horticultural Excellence; Environmental Responsibility; and Community Participation. FIB calls the pillars ‘Plants, Places and People’.
“Two special areas to be judged this year are ‘Water Conservation’ and ‘Culture and Heritage’,” explained Sandra. “Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme is underway so we’ll share this work by visiting the Falconer Museum and Forres Heritage Trust at the Tolbooth with our judges. FIB has won special awards in these categories over the years.
“Our secret weapon is that we have huge support - financially, via volunteers’ commitment, and the obvious pride of place our community demonstrates.”
Britain in Bloom’s judges will be given a guided tour today from 10am-noon. The route will follow: the Wee FIBbees Garden; Clovenside Cemetery; Friends of Fields and Woods at Chapelton; Nelson Road; Sanquhar Pond; the British Legion flowerbeds; the Nimrod Memorial; Mannachie playpark; the War Memorial; Market Green and Mosset Burn; High Street; Grant Park; Anderson's flowerbeds; the Falconer Museum and Square; the Tolbooth; then stop for lunch in St Leonard's Church Hall.
“If you live near any of these roads we would appreciate your help in removing any pavement weeds and litter,” said Sandra. “Every little helps! Geraldine and Nick will meet several groups on their tour. Thank you Forres for taking us to your hearts and giving such unstinting support.”
Britain in Bloom’s results will be revealed on October 21.
