MALVERN has been chosen as a national finalist in the prestigious RHS Britain in Bloom competition for the first time.
The landmark 50th year of the finals will see Malvern striving for its own taste of gold when it squares off against ten other ‘large towns’ throughout the British Isles from Truro in Cornwall to Scotland’s Perth.
Between July and August two Royal Horticultural Society judges will visit the town and meet with members of the community.
As well as the usual bedding displays, the judges will also be casting their eyes over everything from recycling schemes to areas of natural habitats.
The town will also be marked on its street furniture and public parks and assessed on its responses to climate change and reductions in council funding. Accolades will be given for sustainable concepts and inventive ways of raising money to maintain floral projects.
Malvern was selected to represent the West Midlands for ‘engaging the community’, demonstrating ‘exceptional’ commitment to helping the environment and for horticultural excellence.
John Jordan, chairman of the Malvern in Bloom group, described the news as a great honour and a big challenge.
“We didn’t expect it. We will of course do our very very best. Its wonderful news and will help put Malvern on the Map.
“The more people we get visiting the town the better for our shops. There is nothing that could be worse than empty shops.”
Malvern in Bloom formed in 2006 made up of several voluntary members from various groups including the town and district council as well as the civic society and others.
The town was entered in the Heart of England in Bloom awards the same year earning a gold award which it has achieved in every year since except the first time it was bumped up to the ‘large town’ category.
Stephanie Eynon, RHS community horticulture manager, said: “This is a really special year to be an RHS Britain in Bloom finalist because it’s the 50th anniversary of the campaign.
“We would like to congratulate every group for reaching the finals of RHS Britain in Bloom but of course it’s not about beating fellow finalists, it’s about volunteers of all ages and walks of life gaining recognition for their extraordinary efforts to improve streets and neighbourhoods in towns, villages and cities across Britain.
“The awards are our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and may I wish Malvern in Bloom the very best of luck in this golden anniversary year.”
