Launch of the 2018 Heart of England in Bloom campaign
Good morning and welcome to this seminar for the official launch of the 2018 Heart of England in Bloom campaign.
I would like to thank Upton upon Severn Town Council and Upton in Bloom for hosting this seminar.
Roger Bache apologises that he cannot be with us today, but he is busy sunning himself in New Zealand. Also, Les Goodwin as he has another engagement today, don’t fret he has not forgotten you.
There have been numerous changes since we last met, the main one being Trish Willetts is our new coordinator following Jenny standing down, I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank Trish for stepping in and taking on this role with such enthusiasm and passion. The hand over was anything but smooth but we are finally there. More will be explained during the course of this morning.
I would now like to congratulate all of the entries that took part last year making our region one of the most successful in the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom campaign. Whilst we do not have the same quantity of entries as other regions we certainly have the quality, which is borne out in our results in the national finals.
Talking of the nationals in 2017 Pebworth and Uttoxeter both received Silver-Gilt Awards. Aldridge Gold, Newcastle under Lyme were awarded Gold and Category Winner. Well done to all.
The very best of luck to the 2018 UK Finalists which are:
Halesowen Urban Community
Newcastle Under Lyme Champion of Champions
Oswestry Large Town
Shrewsbury Small
Tewkesbury Town
Upton Large Village
We wish them well.
2017 saw a drop-in entries across the board, however this year we are bucking that trend, we have both new entries as well as old friends re-joining us. The committee have decided to keep the entrance fees the same again for this year I would personally like to thank all of the Heart of England in Bloom judges and assessors who give their time freely to tour around the region in all weathers in the months of June, July and August judging more than 220 different entries.
On behalf of the Heart of England in Bloom Committee I would like to thank those companies who continue to sponsor our campaign, Amberol, ID Verde and Hogarths Hotel Solihull and hope for their continued support. We are ever hopeful that the RHS will one day find a national sponsor to support the regions.
As I said earlier Les has not forgotten you and not to disappoint you sent me a couple of poems.
I hope that you find today both informative and enjoyable.
