Historic Newark in Bloom earns silver gilt in East Midlands in Bloom competition

e.gilmore@newarkadvertiser.co.uk

Published: 07:00, 02 October 2024

| Updated: 09:38, 07 October 2024

Historic Newark in Bloom has once again achieved a silver gilt in the East Midlands in Bloom competition.

Judges visited the town in early July, and toured some of the town’s most picturesque spots including Sconce and Devon Park, Newark Castle and Queen Elizabeth Gardens.

The judges analysed how areas had been improved through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping, as well as looking at other factors such as litter and sustainability.

East Midlands in Bloom judges visit Newark: Front: NIB chairman Jenni Oliver, judge Malcolm Fisher, judge Liz Fairfield, Michael Wright. Back: Lisa Copeland and Kian Rawson of Rumbles Cafe, park ranger Simon Hill, Jonathan George, Gareth Bagguley, Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Ben Stacey, Isaac Thorn, and Alex Stanislawski-Hunt.

Chairman of Historic Newark in Bloom, Jenni Oliver, said: “Historic Newark in Bloom are proud to announce we obtained a silver gilt award from East Midlands in Bloom last Wednesday.”

The award was presented at a ceremony at Melton in Bloom’s outstanding award holder St Mary's Church, on September 25, by East Midlands in Bloom chairman and sponsor Frank Constable.

Historic Newark in Bloom receive their certificate.

Jenni Oliver, chairman of Newark in Bloom.

The regional competition is part of the national Britain in Bloom campaign, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, which promotes horticultural and environmental community participation to improve neighbourhoods, villages, towns and cities across the country.

This year marked its 60th anniversary.

As well as the overall award, locations within the town were also assessed in their own rights for the Its Your Neighbourhood Awards — which saw a number of successes across the town.

Judges Malcolm Fisher and Liz Fairfield at Barnby Road Allotments with the vice chairman of Newark Allotment and Gardening Society, Rupert Vinnicombe.

Judges Malcolm Fisher and Liz Fairfield with Pamela Ball at The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Green (Library Gardens).

There was an outstanding achievement for Sconce and Devon Park, and Willow Holt, which secured a gold award, and despite it being its first time entering the competition, Barnby Road Allotments were given an advancing award category three.

It was also awarded the judges award from the East Midlands in Bloom judges, which was said to be “a great achievement”.

Newark College earned an improving award category two, having impressed judges with their since students and tutors started their group in June.

The Swan and Salmon pub also achieved a silver floral award, while the best front garden this year was Nardia Ming’s magnificent floral garden at The Gables, Barnby Road.

Judges Malcolm Fisher and Liz Fairfield with Nadia Ming in her front garden.

Judges Malcolm Fisher and Liz Fairfield with chairman Jenni Oliver in Newark Market Place.

Jenni added: “The competition would not move forward if it wasn't for the following groups dedicated to Newark's vision: Ben Stacey's grounds maintenance team with NSDC; Jo Horton, Nottinghamshire County Council and VIA for their weeding, grass cutting and trimming of tree wells; Matthew Gleadell, the Town Hall and staff who sponsored Bloom’s entrance and provide all year round planters and hanging baskets; volunteer groups such as the Friends of Library Gardens, Friends of Newark Castle, Friends of Sconce and Devon Park.

“Businesses, allotments, schools and colleges, residents, and churches all make this happen.

“Newark should be proud of these people who endeavour to make Newark a worthwhile place to come to live, work, rest and play... well done everyone.”

Environment Human Interest Newark Eloise Gilmore