Britain in Bloom Competitions

2007 RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals

ALCESTER has once again been presented with a prestigious award for the quality of its streets, landscapes and environment.
The town has been honoured with a Silver Achievement Award at the 2007 RHS Britain in Bloom UK finals, which recognise the efforts made by local councils, businesses, community groups, children and volunteers in helping to cre-ate lasting improvements to the local environment.

RHS Britain in Bloom Judge, Jon Wheatley said: "We really enjoyed the visit to Alcester, meeting the community and experiencing the lovely town. It was rewarding to see that following the summer floods, in true Alcester style and commitment, the community and local services rallied together to restore the town to its former high standard, both florally and in terms of its streetscape and landscape. A very strong sense of community interest and pride was apparent."

The award was presented to the town at a prestigious ceremony at The Coventry Cathedral on September 26th, where 14 gold, 26 silver and 24 bronze accolades were handed out.
RHS Director-General Inga Grimsey added:
"We are delighted to see the wonderful results this year and extend congratulations to all the award winners.
Communities such as these really show how gardening can improve the environment for all and enrich people's lives."

The 68 finalists were judged throughout the summer by touring RHS judges who travelled the length and breadth of the UK looking at the quality of their floral displays, permanent landscaping, sustainable development, local environmental quality and public awareness.

RHS Britain in Bloom is one of the largest horticultural campaigns in Europe and it encourages people to actively improve their local environments through cleanliness, sustainability and creative planting.

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Heart of England in Bloom

At a presentation evening, held on September 7th, at Cheltenham Town Hall, representatives from Alcester in Bloom were awarded with the highly coveted Gold Award for Heart of England in Bloom.

This award recognises the town's tidiness, presentation and also the efforts of local schools, churches and the whole community.

Maggie Payne, chair of Alcester in Bloom, said: "winning this award was simply marvellous, especially when you consider the judging was held just four days after the town centre was flooded."

"The whole community pulled together and this award recognises their efforts."

Alcester has also been nominated for the small town category in the national competition which it won when nominated in 1995.

"We're not sure what our chances are because the judges are very good at not giving much away," Maggie added.

The national winners will be announced at a ceremony at Coventry Cathedral on September 26th.