Newark strikes gold in Bloom Competition

Newark has won gold in the East Midlands in Bloom Competition for the second consecutive year.

The town was awarded 176 points - one more than last year in the large town category.

Secretary of Newark in Bloom committee Gillie Wilkinson said they were delighted they had been given gold again.

"We were quietly confident but still shaking in our boots," she said.

"We were just so pleased to get gold to show it was not just a flash in the pan when we got it last year."

The judges praised the town for the floral displays in and around the town especially in the Market Place which they said were magnificent despite the hot weather.

They were also impressed with the visit to Willow Holt in Sconce and Devon Park, managed by ranger George Hemstock, and to Holy Trinity Catholic Academy.

"From the Guerrilla Gardeners, local schools and groups such as the Friends of Newark Cemetery and the Canal and River Trust there is a wealth of support for Newark in Bloom," they said.

Holy Trinity Catholic Academy, a regular in the competition, won the prize for the best school ornamental garden and narrowly missed out on being named as the best school garden overall.

In the It's Your Neighbourhood section there was success for the Eton Avenue Growers' Association and Friends of Sconce and Devon Park who both scored 98% and were said to be outstanding.The Lockside Sensory Garden also did well and were given a rating of thriving.

The Judges Award was given to George and Gillie Wilkinson for their work with Newark in Bloom over almost ten years.

Mrs Wilkinson said their aim was now to get a few more points and win the large towns category next year. That would mean Newark could then go through to compete in the national finals.

This year they finished four points behind the winning town - Boston.

Mrs Wilkinson said that to achieve that the town needs to come up with something more spectacular and more colourful next year.

She is appealing to more businesses and residents to help with next year's entry. This year the volunteers ranged from students of 19 up to 90.

"We need everybody to put together and get involved," she said.

A meeting will be held in Newark Town Hall on October 29 for anybody interested.

The award ceremony was held at Newark Showground where the organisers praised the venue and those who helped with the organisation.