Silloth-on-Solway named 2016 RHS ‘Britain in Bloom’ Finalist
‘Blooming Marvellous’
Silloth-on-Solway is overjoyed by the news that the town has been selected from more than 600 entrants to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2016 in the Coastal Town (up to 12k) category. The recent announcement identifies Silloth as one of the best cared for communities in the UK and presents the Town Council and volunteers with a fantastic opportunity to promote what is happening in the town.
Andrea Van Sittart, RHS Head of Community Outreach, said:
“We would like to congratulate Silloth-on-Solway for reaching the UK finals of RHS Britain in Bloom. It’s a tremendous achievement and illustrates the town’s impressive commitment to improving their local environment.”
“Volunteers of all ages and all walks of life participate in Bloom, making extraordinary efforts to improve streets and neighbourhoods in towns, villages and cities across Britain. It is vital we celebrate and recognise their efforts to strengthen their communities and inspire others to get involved.”
Britain in Bloom started in 1964 and is now a UK-wide campaign with a strong focus on environmentally friendly responsible practices, bringing people together to create greener and cleaner surroundings, as well as building civic pride. The Finals Judging Tour is to take place in August 2016, when judges will travel the length and breadth of the UK to visit all 72 finalists in under two weeks.
Along with the other finalists, Silloth will be judged on three criteria; ‘Horticultural Achievement,’ ‘Community Participation,’ and ‘Environmental Responsibility.’
Silloth Mayor, Tony Markley said:
“The Britain in Bloom campaign is as much about the community as it is about horticulture and the local environment. The Town Council and its staff provide support and work closely with volunteers to generate local pride and achieve the best for the town.”
Silloth Green has already been recognised as one of the District’s top green spaces, having achieved Cumbria in Bloom’s ‘Coastal Town’ Award for the past two years, as well as joint RHS ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ Awards in 2015 for the new Heritage Rose and Bee Garden and the Community Garden.
In addition to the Green, the Britain in Bloom judges tour will cover different areas of the town.
Bill Jefferson, Chair of the Parks Committee of the Council and Tourism Portfolio Holder for Allerdale Borough Council hopes that different groups in the town will come together to meet the Britain in Bloom challenge.
“We hope very much that members of the local community including residents, the business community, events, schools, churches, sports and youth groups will all step up to the plate and join the Council to work collectively to make Silloth look its very best before the judges visit. Improving the town will have added benefits, quality of life for local people will increase, visitors will get more enjoyment and businesses will profit too.”
“We are asking for support funding from the Government’s Coastal Community Fund and from HLF. We are also very grateful for the continuing support and advice from Allerdale Borough Council through their town centre manager, Joe Broomfield and to Vivian Russell, the creator of the widely acclaimed environmentally innovative Bee Garden.”
Cllr. Jefferson indicates that the next step is to invite representatives of the community, eg. residents, organisations, clubs, groups and businesses to join members of the Parks Committee in creating a vibrant ‘Silloth in Bloom” Team to take the town’s efforts forward.
Those who would like to get involved are invited to contact Cllr. Chris Graham (chrisgraham2410@btinternet.com) or Anna Malina, the Community Engagement Officer (anna.malina@silloth-on-solway.co.uk).
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For more information please contact Bill Jefferson on 016973 32526 or email: william.jefferson@allerdale.gov.uk.