In Bloom in the boot

Britain in Bloom was started in 1963 by the British Tourist Board to enhance the appearance of British towns and villages and encourage more visitors. The Keep Britain Tidy group took over running the In Bloom until 1989 and in 2001 the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) took it on. RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Its charitable work includes undertaking scientific research into issues affecting gardeners, holding plant trials and educational events and activities. Floral displays play an important part in the contest, but the Bloom title may be misleading because the competition has increasingly assessed how all sectors of the community are managing their local environment. The Chesham in Bloom campaign began in 2005 to improve the way that Chesham looks and how people feel about their town.

Chesham enters the Regional Finals of the competition as a Large Town competing in the same category as places like Bicester, Aylesbury and Abingdon. If we achieve Gold and the most marks in our category, we would be put forward for the national finals the next year. Kathryn Graves said, “The organizers have been revitalised thanks to Rachel Watts’ enthusiasm. The group will be more formally composed with a bank account and constitution to make it self-sustaining and able to undertake more projects long term”. The In Bloom group is keen to involve everyone. To reflect Chesham’s ‘five Bs’ namely boots, beer, brushes, Baptists and bricks, this year Chesham in Bloom introduces a Boot competition open to all schools in Chesham. They can enter a pair of boots planted up with any seasonal bedding. It can be any type of boot, Wellington or hiking. The competition will be judged at the Schools of Chesham Carnival on Saturday 13 June by members of the public. Rachel Watts said, “Last year we had a similar competition for scarecrows and we were encouraged that Heritage House took part. The public voted for their favourite scarecrow by putting a tiddlywink in a tin and we had over 200 votes - Brushwood School won first prize”. This year they will probably have the same voting system and there will be a stall in the park advertising Chesham in Bloom. The winning entries will be shown to the RHS judges on judging day. There will be the usual front gardens competition and everyone will be urged to pick up litter nearer the time (and don’t drop it in the first place from now on although our readers do not litter– Ed).

For more information call Kathryn Graves on 01494 583798, visit CTC website or email policy@chesham.gov.uk%20