Bloom a source of great pride for town (From Malvern Gazette)

Bloom a source of great pride for town

3:36pm Tuesday 5th August 2008 in News

UPTON was looking at its best on Monday (August 4) as it went for gold in the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition.

The town performed admirably during its inaugural entry into the national competition in 2007, winning a silver gilt award despite the judges’ visit coming in the aftermath of the devastating summer floods.

Following a route similar to that used for the Heart of England in Bloom competition judging last month, judges Martyn Hird and Sue Wood were shown floral displays and points of interest around the town, as well as meeting many of the people who help out with Upton in Bloom.

Stops on their tour included sheltered housing complex Berrow Court, where lifelong Upton resident Enid Loynes told them about the history of The Ham, and Barbara Hartley’s public garden in Dunns Lane, which she keeps maintained throughout the year for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Mr Hird described Upton as a ‘thriving small town’.

“We were very impressed with the town’s history, and it is noticeable that there is a lot of community support,” he said.

Mrs Wood added: “The recovery from last year has been tremendous. The colours down on the waterfront are fantastic, as is the input from a lot of the local businesses.

“It makes Upton a place you would like to come and visit again.”

Mayor Tim Perry said Upton’s involvement in Britain in Bloom was a source of great pride for the town.

“No matter where you go in the town this year it looks good, and Upton in Bloom have once again done a great job,” he said. “You never know how these things will go, but for the amount of effort they have put in they certainly deserve a gold.”