Stonehouse in Bloom have been selected for the second time, to represent the Heart of England in the finals of this summer’s RHS Britain in Bloom Competition, after being awarded a Silver Gilt in 2022’s national finals.
Chair of Stonehouse in Bloom Pam Swain said the group was very excited and proud to be selected: “This is fantastic news for Stonehouse – we are absolutely delighted that Stonehouse in Bloom has been chosen to represent our region in the national Britain in Bloom finals in 2024.
“If you’ve ever thought of joining us, now would be the perfect time to do it and you will be very welcome! We also hope that as many local people as possible will join us for some extra weekend working parties in early summer to ensure that the town looks amazing for the judges’ visit.’’
The volunteer-led group, which is supported by Stonehouse Town Council and numerous community organisations, town businesses and residents will be welcoming the judges to the town on a date yet to be confirmed in July/August. The group’s efforts will be judged according to criteria that scores their commitment to improving the local environment, community engagement and horticultural excellence.
Stonehouse has consistently won Gold in the Heart of England in Bloom competition since 2017 and has been judged the region’s Best Small Town every year since 2018.
This year, Stonehouse will be one of a handful of places representing the Heart of England region in Britain in Bloom, after winning “A very well-deserved Gold” (RHS Judge Mark Wiltshire stated) in 2023.
There are 17 Bloom regions that all hold their own Bloom competitions, from which they nominate their highest-performing entries to compete in the UK Finals. Each of the finalists will be visited by a pair of Britain in Bloom judges in the summer, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the autumn.
Stonehouse in Bloom will be building on their Gold-winning foundations and focusing on their new projects for 2023/2024 such as the new Community Garden Project at Stonehouse Station, as well as focusing on the RHS’ 60th Year theme of ‘Friendship’.
Their first fundraising event of 2024 will be Cream Teas in Stonehouse Library on 16th March from 2pm. The event encourages people to bring a friend or neighbour and to make new friends, as per the RHS 60th Anniversary theme. Details of the event can be found on their Facebook page.
If you’d like to be involved in Stonehouse in Bloom’s Britain in Bloom campaign for 2024, please get in touch with Deborah Curtis at deborah.curtis647580@gmail.com or message the group via their Facebook page @StonehouseInBloom
