Newark welcomes judges from East Midlands in Bloom competition
Hard-working volunteers have rallied together to show Newark in its best light to the East Midlands in Bloom judges, writes Amelie Wood-Williams.
Historic Newark in Bloom is part of a national run gardening scheme, Britain in Bloom, which aims to improve areas the area through planting trees and flowers, litter picking and weeding.
On Thursday (July 3), Newark entertained regional judges and demonstrated the work of volunteers from around the area throughout the year.
Judges visited many of Newark's most picturesque spots, including Sconce and Devon Park, together with the Halt, Reach Flower Pod, the Swan and Salmon, the river area, the Castle Gardens, Castle Station, Wharf cafe, Not My Monkey, Inizio and London Road cemetery.
Kay Bellhouse, chairman of Historic Newark in Bloom, said: “Newark and Sherwood District Council, Newark Town Council and Historic Newark in Bloom and all the other volunteer groups have worked really well together.
“We had about 30 people litter picking, weeding and tidying up last night, but most importantly, we have done other dates in between, not just for this tour.
“The flowers have been phenomenal, perennial plants have been great, and most importantly, the community has all come together.”
“It is about all the organisations coming together for the same goal, which is making Newark a great place to live.”
The East Midlands in Bloom competition judging will be taking place throughout July, with criteria including visible impact of flowers and floral bedding, maintenance and care of horticultural displays, and photographic evidence of seasonal colour and activities.
Towns are also judged based on the attractive permanent planting and landscape, community and private involvement, local environmental quality, commercial and industrial involvement, absence of litter, graffiti, fly tipping and general cleanliness of the area and efforts made by the police, hospitals, universities, schools, churches, and community groups.
Newark deputy mayor Lynn Roulstone moved to Newark four years ago and said that she was proud of the town.
She added: “I look everywhere in Newark, and everywhere I look just looks fabulous, it is beautiful.
“The judges look pleased, so hopefully that is a good thing.
“I think this does benefit Newark because the more we take pride in the town, the more we do things like this, the more people will come to Newark and want to do things here.
“Things like this are really important for the town.”
This year’s judging in Newark finished at the Newark Cemetery on London Road, where volunteers and judges had the chance to share ideas and enjoy lunch.
