Collingham in Bloom hopes to flourish in village’s debut entry to East Midlands in Bloom competition
A village is gearing up for it’s first bloom competition, boosted by “bucket-loads” of community support.
Former Historic Newark in Bloom chairman Jenni Oliver has this year taken the helm of the new Collingham in Bloom group, to help see it through it’s first entry to the East Midlands in Bloom competition.
From scouts to schools, and businesses to sports clubs, the village’s community has rallied around to help their home on its quest to floral glory.
Jenni said: “I stepped down as chairman of Historic Newark in Bloom, I thought I’d go away and be free. It’s all year round gardening, not just two weeks before the judging to make it look bloomful.
“Two days later Collingham parish councillor Sue Gray rang me and asked if I’d lead it, so I’m here for a year to help get it’s roots in.
The following year the postition will be taken over by the current vice-chairman, Iain Orme, who chairs the parish council.
Jenni brings 12 years of experience with East Midlands in Bloom competitions to Collingham with her, and is hoping to guide the village to a silver gilt on it’s first ever entry.
The village has previously taken part in best kept village competitions, but now hopes to “regenerate” its blooms.
Judging will take place in early July, with judges to be taken on a two-hour tour of Collingham — to see it’s planters, hanging baskets, school gardens, and residents’ front gardens.
Entries are also to be submitted for the floral awards, with the Royal Oak community pub as ‘best pub’, resident Jan Nichollson put forward for ‘best residential front garden’, and the Collingham Shed at Gusto for ‘best commercial premises’.
Jenni said: “One of the things which did inspire me to say yes to leading the group was the community.”
Rosemary Fabian added: “We’ve got it in spades, the cricket club are hosting us, there’s the schools, scouts, businesses, Gusto, and the church.
“We’ve got the community engagement bit in bucket loads.”
To help the cause, Iain explained, the parish council had provided a grant to John Blow school to help them rebuild their greenhouse and revitalise the school garden.
A seed giveaway has also been held, and both the Scouts and Women’s Institute have been tasked with growing sunflowers.
The village’s May Fair scarecrows will also have a bloom theme, as will the church’s memorial flowers.
“We’re really excited, the main emphasis is the community,” Jenni added.
