South West in Bloom Melksham is one of 15 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood groups being filmed as part of a new BBC Two series about the quintessentially British gardening competition. The series will be broadcast in 2018.
Now in its 53rd year, this is the first time cameras have followed Britain in Bloom groups as they prepare for the biggest day in community gardening. Series-makers hope to capture the excitement as the groups vie to be recognised as one of the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful places in the country.
South West in Bloom Melksham is competing in the South West for the top spot in Melksham, with hopes of making it to the national finals in 2018.
In July, a team of gardening judges will tour Melksham to assess the town’s efforts against three key criteria – community participation, environmental responsibility and horticultural achievement.
Kathy Iles, from South West in Bloom Melksham, said, “We are delighted that the BBC has chosen to consider Melksham for their programme. Regardless of whether we make the final programme or not, we are very proud of the work we do to bring the community together and make Melksham a happier and more beautiful place.
“Our group of 20+ volunteers is working tirelessly to make the town look its best for the big day. We have been planting beds, weeding and tidying throughout the town, making bright and colourful flags to fly in the town centre and have organised community litter picking events.”
The RHS said, “We have been privileged to be able to see the unbelievable work Britain in Bloom groups do to bring people together and transform their communities.
“We know the hurdles they’ve had to overcome and experienced the humour and camaraderie that keeps them going when they face challenges. We are thrilled that viewers will also get to see what we have seen year in, year out across the country, people working together to create something positive, beautiful and life-affirming.”
The results of the South West competition will be announced at an awards ceremony at Torquay in October.
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