East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Federation of ‘In Bloom’ groups has scooped an impressive six awards at the Central England awards presentation, held on Thursday 5th September.
The competition rewards community groups for the quality of floral displays, horticultural excellence and community involvement. More than 3,000 groups participate each year to help improve their local villages, towns and cities.
East Staffordshire received 12 Gold medals with Burton, Uttoxeter and Winshill picking up gold awards in their respective categories. Branston, in just their second year of entering the competition, also received gold. Uttoxeter was crowned overall winner in the Small Town category, the second time in three years.
There were also two special recognition awards for East Staffordshire entries: The Coltman Peace Wood, Winshill and a personal award for volunteer Mr Zdzsislaw Krupski.
As Small Town category winners, Uttoxeter will go onto contest the 2020 national awards. This will be the third time in four years that an East Staffordshire representative has reached the national finals.
Councillor Ed Barker, Deputy Leader for Cultural Services, said: “This result is a credit to all involved, both volunteers and staff, and adds so much to the environment across the borough. The success that East Staffordshire has achieved would not be possible without the help of community groups and volunteers.
“I wish Uttoxeter’s entry the best of luck at next year’s national awards.”
For more information please visit www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/in-bloom.