Heart of England in Bloom 2005

Award Ceremony at Trentham

Eric White, Paul Thompson and I went to the Award Ceremony on 2nd September. The event was held in a large marquee at Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent. There were over 60 entries this year.

Upton in Bloom won a Gold Award in the Large Village category, and also won the category. The judges comments on our entry, and other awards won by individuals and small communities:

Upton Upon Severn - Large Village Gold Award & Category Winner
Upton upon Severn Marina provided a colourful backdrop for the start of the judging tour for Heart of England in Bloom. The community bus gave the judges a good vantage point to view the town of Upton. The colourful hanging baskets gave a welcome to both residents and visitors alike. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was the theme for the town's floral decorations, honouring the 'little ships' evacuating Dunkirk, and the leading role taken by resident Admiral Sir William Tennant. With background music by the marching band and the playing of The Last Post' and 'Reveille', a parade by British Legion Members, and a poem composed for the afternoon, it provided a fitting climax to the day.
Points that particularly impressed the judges:
• The boating theme throughout the town
• The many colourful residential gardens
• The garden made for the town with Mr Ben and Lizzie
• The maturing of the trees and shrubs in residential areas
• The care and maintenance of the Ham Meadow
• The cleanliness of the river frontage area
• Community involvement with the remembrance of 'Dunkirk' at the Old Churchyard
• Use of pipe band to entertain community

Heart of England in Bloom Judges Personal Award Sue and Doug Fletcher, Upton in Bloom
This award is for two people who have worked for years to beautify our region by helping out several entrants in the Bloom campaign. There is no doubt about their care and commitment for everything 'In Bloom' and in particular for hanging baskets. The judges are therefore delighted to honour Sue and Doug Fletcher of Upton Upon Severn for all their time, support, expertise and enthusiasm.

Little Blossoms, Upton Upon Severn Merit Award
Little Blossoms Limited is a commercial day nursery set in a fruit farm with lovely views of the Malverns. A DEFRA grant under the redundant farm buildings scheme has provided a new building for 110 children. The environment is unique and a forest school has been set up along the old Malvern/Upton railway line. Outdoor play areas include wild flower and vegetable gardens. The plants are grown from seed by the children and staff. The establishment has been very successful in raising money for this operation and charities that include Red Nose Day.

Tiltridge Vineyard, Upton Upon Severn Merit Award
Tiltridge Vineyard is also a thriving B&B and Geophysics business. The B&B is in the old farmhouse, surrounded by gardens and the vineyard, which extends to 0.75ha and produces fine English wines such as the Elgar brand sold in their on-site shop. There is a conservation meadow, a small copse of 500 trees along with a dewpond with resident Moorhens. Large compost bins provide mulch for the vines, and the whole site is well managed.