South West in Bloom praises ‘immense’ community spirit

JUDGES and committee members have expressed their delight at Melksham’s South West in Bloom entry this year, following the judging visit earlier this month.

Two judges were taken on a tour through the town to score the town’s flowers, tidiness, creativity, innovation, green initiatives and community involvement, on 15th July.

Lead judge Tim Eley said, “We can really see the improvement in the town since last year, and the immense community spirit and pride throughout Melksham shines out like a beacon.”

Judges were impressed with the cleanliness of Melksham, as well as the lack of weeds, and noted the impressive floral displays created by businesses, residents, Melksham Town Council and Wiltshire Council.

The On 15th July, three-hour route involved 22 sites around Melksham chosen by the Bloom in Melksham committee, supported by Melksham Town Council.

Chair of the committee Kathy Iles said, “I cannot express how proud I was of Melksham and of the people who make it great as I escorted the judges around the route. So much effort had been made by so many people – all the floral displays through town looked great and there was not one single piece of litter to be seen!

“Keep up the great work Melksham; a little town with a great big heart!”

Kathy’s full letter of thanks is in our Letters section on page 26.

The Bloom in Melksham project involves a huge number of volunteers, organisations, clubs, schools, and businesses in the town, as well as the town council, all of whom work together in the leadup to the competition.

Deputy town clerk Miriam Zaccarelli, who helped with the entry said, “The extra effort that had been made around town was really noticeable and it was a privilege to walk the route with the judges, pointing out the contributions of so many people.

“It is thanks to the work of the people in Melksham that we not only have a town that looks great throughout the year, but that we can put together an impressive entry into Britain in Bloom South West.

“From planting flowers and picking litter to simply letting friends know that judging day was coming up, so many people have helped make this year’s entry particularly successful.

“We will find out our result in September, but regardless of the award, Melksham has so much to be proud of, and we want to keep building on it. The aim of the Bloom in Melksham group is to continually improve Melksham and keep it looking great all year round. If we can win a decent award in the process then that is also great.”

The Bloom in Melksham committee will soon start planning for next year  – to find out more about getting involved or staying updated, contact Miriam on 01225 704187 or email miriam@melkshamtown .co.uk.

There are photos on the Melksham Town Facebook page, and more information and presentations from this year are on www.melkshamtown.co.uk/services/flowers.

The judging is over but the work doesn’t stop there; the next Tidy Town Day will be on Sunday 2nd August between 1pm and 3pm.  Everyone is invited to show up at the Town Hall in suitable clothes and stay for tea and cake afterwards. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided and everyone who joins in will earn one Time Credit for each hour given.