Volunteers praised as Anglia in Bloom judges visit Wisbech
Wisbech In Bloom chairman Brian Massingham, Cllr Peter Murphy, Wisbech In Bloom secretary Penny Stocks, Anglia In Bloom judge Ian Haynes, Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don, aka David Judd, Bernard Lyons with Henry the golden retriever, Anglia In Bloom judge Alan Lovett, Bridget Holmes, chairman of the Friends of St Peter’s Gardens, Janet Stevens, secretary of the Friends of St Peter’s Gardens and Fenland District Council’s parks and open spaces manager Bob Ollier. - Credit: Archant
“A credit to themselves, to Fenland and the In Bloom initiative across the entire country”.
That was the praise given to volunteers and organisations in Wisbech when judges toured the town as part of the annual Anglia In Bloom competition.
Those involved in this year’s campaign are hoping they’ve enough to help secure the town’s tenth consecutive Gold Award in the regional horticultural contest when the results are announced in September.
The judges visited the town on July 14, with their tour culminating at St Peter’s Church Gardens to see this year’s themed garden celebrating the 50th anniversary of BBC’s Gardeners’ World.
They admired the different flower, vegetable and herb beds, two rabbits dressed in full carpet bedding and show presenter Monty Don’s Potting Shed.
The tour also included the courtyard garden and Centenary Green at Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, the Bee Garden at Somers Road Car Park which was created from an area of wasteland, the new hanging basket tree, baskets and containers at the Clarkson Memorial, Peckover House garden, the Welcome Garden at the Chapel Road car park entrance, Wisbech General Cemetery and Nene Quay.
They also met horticultural students from Meadowgate School to see their work in Wisbech Park, discovered more about the £2 million Heritage Lottery Funded Wisbech High Street Project and toured The Crescent and Museum Square.
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Judges were led on the tour by Fenland District Council’s parks and open spaces manager, Bob Ollier, Wisbech In Bloom chairman Brian Massingham and secretary Penny Stocks.
They were also joined by the council’s portfolio holder for environment, councillor Peter Murphy, and Wayne Eady from plant company Volmary, which donated thousands of seedlings.
Mr Ollier said: “This year is probably one of our best entries into Anglia In Bloom in the last 14 years; so many areas look fantastic. The community effort is just amazing and is some of the best in the Anglia region without a doubt.”
“The number of individuals and groups who play an invaluable part in the In Bloom campaign in Wisbech is wonderful. Their tireless efforts do Fenland proud.”
