MELKSHAM will enter next year’s Britain in Bloom competition after a two-year break but the Melksham in Bloom team is asking for volunteers to help.
The town won gold for four consecutive years in the South West Bloom competition from 2018 to 2021 but didn’t enter last or this year, due to a decline in volunteers to help with tasks such as watering, planting and maintaining floral displays.
But now they are hoping to go for gold again if they can find enough volunteers to help. The bloom team will be holding a public meeting at the town hall on Thursday 16th November at 7pm, for anyone who is interested in volunteering.
“The idea of the competition is not just about plants and green spaces; it’s also about the community and how our town is looked after,” says one of the organisers, Terri Welch. “It’s about making positive changes to the local community on environmental matters, litter, graffiti, street furniture etc as well as through flower displays. The idea is that the whole community takes part, from schools to groups and from individuals to businesses.
“In the past Melksham has been awarded gold and this is something that we wish to repeat but help is needed. “We’d really like to put on a great show next year as it is the Diamond Anniversary of Britain in Bloom with the Royal Horticultural Society celebrating its 60th anniversary.
“The jobs are many including grass cutting, watering, planting, weeding, dead heading and that is just the plants. Then street furniture needs a lick of paint and some TLC, sponsors are needed, PR is important and then there is a record to be kept of events and flowers throughout the year which is a major contributor to the overall score and needs expert input.
“At the meeting on Thursday 16th November, you will hear more about Britain in Bloom and how you can help. You only need to agree to jobs that are within your skills set, or physical ability. But every little helps. So come along and hear how you can help us all to have pride in our town.”