Yeovil in Bloom has struck gold once again in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) South West in Bloom competition.
Representatives of the Yeovil in Bloom team were there to collect the gold award at the presentation which was held at the Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton today.
Yeovil also received nine RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood awards with Birchfield School, The Hub, Kenmore Drive, Milford Allotments, West Abbey Care Home, Preston Primary School and Westfield Community Group receiving an outstanding award. Wyndham Community Group and the Vanessa Project also received Advancing awards.
Elsewhere in the district, The CATCH (Community Action to Transform Cale Habitat) community group based in Wincanton was awarded an outstanding It’s Your Neighbourhood award and Milborne Port in Bloom was awarded gold in the in Bloom competition.
Councillor David Recardo, Chairman of the Yeovil in Bloom Steering Group said: “Once again we are extremely pleased that we have been awarded gold and the nine It’s Your Neighbourhood awards represent the passionate community based groups around the town.
“The competition isn’t just about floral displays. We have to demonstrate a commitment to environmental issues and community participation. Thanks must go to Yeovil Country Park, Preston C of E Primary School, the Hub, Kenmore Drive and the shops in Princes Street who made up our tour. We would not win gold without showcasing these groups.
“We must thank the people of Yeovil who really get behind Yeovil in Bloom each year, endorsing what we do and supporting the floral displays on show. We receive many kind correspondences of praise through-out the year.”
Speaking about community participation, Lesley Jelleyman, Yeovil in Bloom Promotions Officer added, “Community participation makes up 25% of the overall points for the South West in Bloom competition, so it is important that we can demonstrate community involvement all-year round. There is increasing evidence to show that green spaces have a tremendous positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing, so activities such as gardening and community based projects are excellent ways for relaxation and mental stimulation.
“We know there are many community groups who could or would like to take part in some form of project to help either people or a local area, so please get in contact with me and let’s make Yeovil even more bloomin marvellous.”
If you would like to form a community group or if you are already part of a community group and you would like to get involved in projects to help towards Yeovil in Bloom, please contact Lesley Jelleyman with ideas and suggestions on how you can contribute on 01935 462837 or email [email protected].
The Yeovil in Bloom initiative is managed and funded by Yeovil Town Council, and delivered with the support of South Somerset District Council
Photo: Flowers in the centre of Yeovil this summer.