PREPARATIONS are under way for Melksham’s entry into Britain in Bloom South West 2015, which will see judges tour and inspect the town centre on Wednesday 15th July.
Following a silver gilt award last year, the town is gearing up to impress again following the route announcement last month. A tidy town day and churchyard challenge will be held this weekend to prepare for the competition.
Chair of Melksham in Bloom committee Kathy Iles said, “We’re looking forward to the Britain in Bloom competition because it’s a really good opportunity for the community to work together.
“We look forward to cleaning up the town for it because local people love Melksham and are proud of it, and this is a perfect opportunity to show it off! The tidy town days and planting are a good social outing as well, and an extra chance to meet people in a fun way.
“Judges will be looking at flowers, cleanliness, the condition of the environment, and community participation. For us it’s really not about the award or trying to win, but about seeing everybody working together to take pride in Melksham and its appearance.
“It would be great if everybody could just do an extra little bit for the town – residents, clubs, businesses, and the councils – if we could all at least not drop litter for a couple of weeks that would be great!”
The judges’ walk was decided on at a meeting in June, and will include King Street, Market Place, Church Street and Church Walk, High Street, Bank Street, Bath Road, and pass through the Conigre Mead Nature Reserve and King George V Playing Field.
The Melksham in Bloom committee will be hosting a clear-up of the grounds around St Michael’s Church on Saturday 4th July from 1-3pm. A Tidy Town Day will then take place on Sunday 5th July from 1-3pm.
The committee is also asking local people to donate flowers for the displays, and stories and photos of community projects to be included in Melksham’s portfolio.
For every hour that is spent working on the project, volunteers will be awarded a time credit, which can be spent at the Assembly Hall.
For more information about getting involved with Bloom in Melksham, contact Miriam Zaccarelli at the town hall on 01225 704187 or miriam.zaccarelli@melkshamtown.co.uk.
