In an exuberant display of horticultural prowess, the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme has seized the title of the nation’s finest in the celebrated Britain in Bloom competition hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society. This remarkable achievement coincides with the borough’s commemoration of its 850th anniversary.
The accolades showered upon Newcastle-under-Lyme include not only the coveted overall prize but also the prestigious gold award, reinforcing the community’s commitment to the art of blooming landscapes and environmental stewardship.
Simon Tagg, leader of the borough council, lauded the victory as a collective endeavor, emphasizing the remarkable dedication of volunteers who contributed a staggering 4,000 hours of work. He shared his elation, stating, “I am delighted that we have been judged the best of the best, especially in the year that we celebrate our 850th anniversary.”
Such an accomplishment, he added, is unattainable without the concerted efforts of the entire community, which united schools, businesses, community groups, and volunteers to create this remarkable achievement. Newcastle-under-Lyme’s shared success showcases the power of unity.
The scrutiny of the RHS judges occurred during the summer, during which they evaluated not only traditional floral displays but also a multitude of community-driven projects. These visits spanned various regions, encompassing locales like Bradwell, Silverdale, and Knutton.
The judges explored gardens, including the beautiful Queens Gardens, adorned with annual bedding aligned with the theme of the 850th anniversary celebrations. The introduction of hundreds of lime trees at the newly established Lyme Forest pays tribute to the ancient forests that lent their name to the Staffordshire borough.
Simon Tagg emphasized that participating in such contests elevates the quality of life in the community. The council, with unwavering dedication, has consistently demonstrated high standards in its floral displays and gardens. This remarkable achievement is further underscored by their previous triumphs, having secured the gold award 21 times and regional championships on three occasions.
Notably, this victory marks the first time that the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme has claimed the illustrious overall top prize, further solidifying its status as a beacon of horticultural excellence.
In a parallel triumph, Oswestry in Shropshire was awarded the winning spot in the Large Town category, underscoring the flourishing commitment to enhancing the natural beauty of urban spaces across the UK.
