Newport set for blooming big push for floral glory

The nomination itself is a significant success, with only 70 towns out of more than 3,000 across the country making the shortlist.

The town’s bloom committee is now in the process of making sure Newport is “immaculate” for the arrival of the Royal Horticultural Society judges later this year, to give them a shot at the big prize.

Karen Claxton, secretary of Newport in Bloom, said they were thrilled at receiving the nomination and would be focussed on doing all they can to impress the judges.

She said: “This is a tremendous honour for the town, putting it amongst the top 70 out of 3,000 entrants countrywide and it is anticipated that the publicity surrounding this campaign will go a long way to raising awareness of Newport and bringing visitors to the town.”

She added: “We will have to make sure it looks immaculate from the beginning of July onwards, and I mean immaculate. It is a huge effort.”

Mrs Claxton said they were now calling on the people of the town, and businesses to throw their weight behind the effort to secure glory. She said: “Working together with Newport Town Council, Telford and Wrekin and local businesses, Newport in Bloom has been responsible for this achievement to date and the group is now appealing to all residents and businesses to back them in their efforts to bring home a national gold award for the town.

“The Britain in Bloom Award is not all about floral displays by any means. Environmental considerations and community involvement all play a major role in the judging criteria, but first impressions will be of the High Street.”

Mrs Claxton has asked businesses to back their baskets for business initiative, in a bid to ensure the judges are impressed. She said: “Many businesses on the high street already support the Baskets for Business initiative, ensuring that the High Street looks colourful and welcoming during the summer months.

“For a variety of reasons, other businesses are unable to hang a basket on their premises, but have been happy to make a donation towards planting in other locations.

“Newport in Bloom asks all shops and businesses, who have not already done so, to please consider supporting them with a donation this year to help them to fill the gaps where premises are unoccupied and to fund the planting of the pole baskets which were erected in the town centre last year.

“Your support will be gratefully received and publicly acknowledged.”

Residents are also being asked to help, by supporting Newport in Bloom’s fundraising events, the proceeds from which will be used to purchase plants for various beds and park areas.

There will be a street collection on Saturday, a plant and book sale outside the Guildhall on June 1, and the open gardens event “Through the Garden Gate” on June 30.

Anyone who would like to support Newport in Bloom with a donation, or would like to offer practical help in the coming months, can contact them by emailing newportinbloom@yahoo.com, or via the website at newportinbloom.co.uk