It comes hot on the heels of the gold medal Bridgnorth won in the town category of the Heart of England in Bloom competition earlier this summer. Mr Jones said it was an honour for the town and a tribute to the hard work of those involved that the town had done so well, but he would rather it had won a gold in the RHS awards.
“We’ve won golds in this competition before, and in 2002 won the town category and represented Britain in the European section, Entente Floral, where we got silver. However, it is a mark of all the hard work put in by Direct Labour Services and the volunteers that we have gained this silver gilt, which is like a silver plus.”
More than 1,000 towns took part in the competition and the 69 finalists were toured by the judges over the summer.
Judges John Woodward and Jon Wheatley said of Bridgnorth: “The effective use of flowers throughout the tour contributed to an overall theme that enhances this attractive town. The town council can be proud of its efforts and shows a real commitment to sustainability and promotion of this lovely area.”
They singled out the hanging baskets and standard planters for special praise, and said they were impressed by the displays at some of the businesses, in particular Bailey’s Bistro and the Tudor Rooms. The gardens at Crane’s Yard, Cartway and the caravan park were also praised, as was the school planting of the bridge baskets.
Mr Jones said he was surprised the Severn Valley Railway were not mentioned in the list. “Their display was magnificent. A lot of hard work was put in.”
Still, Bridgnorth could be very proud of its achievements this year in the competitions, he added. “Thanks must also go to all the groundwork put in by our former clerk Cathy James, and to our new clerk who is carrying it forward.”
The aim now is for the displays in Bridgnorth to be kept up to a good standard throughout the year.
“This way when the competitions take place there is not too much additional work to do,” he said.
