THE CHAIRMAN of Upton in Bloom said she was ‘absolutely delighted’ to see the town scoop a gold award for the 12th year running.
Jackie Surtees was speaking after they picked up the top prize at the RHS Heart of England in Bloom at an awards ceremony in Rugby.
Upton also won the Large Village category and were nominated for next year’s national RHS Britain in Bloom campaign.
Despite securing Gold every year since first picking it up in 2003, Jackie admitted the award still came as a surprise to her and her hard-working team.
“We are absolutely delighted,” she told The Observer. “It is always a bit worrying when you’re waiting. You have done your best and you wonder if you have done enough but when you find out you have it is brilliant.
“It is year-long work for us but it is really nice to see that hard work rewarded.
“There are only a few of us but we get a lot of help from people who support our fund-raising event and others who fund-raise for us.”
Committee members showed judges around the town and included Ye Old Anchor Inn, School Lane, the cemetery, along the river side and the old churchyard in the route.
“It is great news for the town,” Jackie added. “Everyone was feeling euphoric.
“We are already making plans for next year and the things we need and want to do.
“I always hope for Gold and I am fairly confident even though we don’t get judged until next year.”
