Judging takes place in Newark for East Midlands in Bloom

Judging for Historic Newark in Bloom is now complete and the committee behind the enterprise reckons a golden return is on the cards.

More than that, achieving the gold after a silver gilt last year, is to be the catalyst for five consecutive golds, elevating Newark to among the nation’s best.

Chairman of Historic Newark in Bloom, Jenni Oliver said she was very proud of all of those who had made Newark so pretty, whether they be litter-pickers, street cleansers, gardeners, allotment holders, community groups or financiers.

While the results of the judging in the East Midlands in Bloom contest are eagerly now anticipated, Jenni said she was convined enough had been done to regain a gold ward from years past.

She had a new committee with new ideas had brought Newark and Bloom into the 21st Century with a new route also pioneered.

“Newark in Bloom, to me, is about serving the community,” said Jenni.

“Bloom needs to be more about serving the community – for the community by the community.

“We want to get as many people involved as possible, whether they are individuals or community groups – people to show a pride in where they live.

“And we want the legacy of this year to be that we don’t do last-minute spruce ups, but we keep our beautiful town looking its best all year round.

“We’re looking to start up neighbourhood groups, so please get in touch.

“I hope it’s a gold, I believe it’s a gold. If it is we want it to be the first of five consecutive golds as that would put us in with Britain in Bloom – judged among the very best towns and cities in the land. That would really put Newark on the map and bring people in from far and wide to visit, which would be great for our economy and our shops.

“Our portfolio for the judges is almost entirely Newark Advertiser, whether it be pictures taken, but more so where issues have been reported. If there’s a story about anti-social behaviour or damage in a place, we go and put it right.”

The route the judges took and what they saw began with the Newark Castle Gardens where there was a presentation by the castle friends group.

There was then a talk by the Children’s Bereavement Centre on their daisy campaign.

The judges then walked to Village Chic, the shop that has supported the daisy capmpaign and countless other good causes through its shopfront painted murals.

The route then took them along Kirkgate, Church Street and Church Walk.

It took in St Mary’s Church Gardens and the war memorial.

Appletongate and Baldertongate followed along with the Newark Library Community Garden, Beaumond Gardens, and the Beaumond Cross Inn.

They then saw Newark Cemetery and then the Hawton Road Allotments and Willow Holt.

They then took in Sconce and Devon Park and then Otter Park on Millgate.

Lastly, it was a walk along the River Trent, over the bridge and to the Market Place via Boar Lane and Chain Lane.

Among the community groups to take part this year were Cub Scouts who picked litter at places such as Millgate up-to the Castle grounds. Groups such as the Newark Patriotic Fund and Castle Rotary Club and community-minded firms such as UMC architects litter-picked London Road, the cemetery and Boundary Road, often in the evenings.

Newark and Sherwood District Council’s street scene team, the town council’s grounds maintenance staff, the county council and Newark College all played a part.

Certificates to participants and some awards were handed out at Newark Town Hall on the day the judges were in town.

The result of all of that inspiring community work will be announced in September.