Anticipation builds as awards season for Britain in Bloom approaches
Autumn means one thing in the annual Britain in Bloom calendar – awards. Across the UK throughout September and October, In Bloom groups of all sizes are being recognised at regional awards for all their hard work throughout the year.
The awards season culminates of course with the big one - the national Britain in Bloom final on Friday 19th October which is being held at The Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Around 500 people are expected at the ceremony which sees 76 finalists competing in a range of categories from villages to cities, all vying to win the national award for their category. One thing’s for sure; there will be plenty of local support for Amberol customers Belfast City Council who are finalists in the Best City Award.
In addition to the village, town and city awards, categories include the prestigious Champion of Champions. This year the top award is being contested by Sidmouth, Truro, Didsbury, Market Bosworth, Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Usk, many of which use Amberol’s self-watering planters as part of their Britain in Bloom entry.
The importance of green infrastructure in the local economy
New for 2018 is the category for town and city centres known as BIDs, Town and City centres. The category builds on the introduction of a category for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) introduced in 2015. The new category aims to raise awareness of the important role of green spaces in urban areas and their positive impact on health and wellbeing, flood prevention and wildlife – as well as the local environment itself.
The Britain in Bloom community
Amberol’s MD Patience Atkinson-Gregory is looking forward to seeing the results of this year’s national competition as well as the all-important regional finals. “One of the things that I like most about working with In Bloom groups up and down the country is the way that these organisations support and encourage each other,” she comments. “Although it’s a competition and of course, everyone wants to win, the awards ceremonies are also very much a place for communities to come together and celebrate each other’s achievement. After all, we share the same goal of making Britain a more beautiful place.”
Patience’s sentiments around the achievements of In Bloomers is echoed by Darren Share, Chair of the Britain in Bloom judging panel who recently said: “The Britain in Bloom campaign galvanises communities and provides the driving force for thousands of gardening enthusiasts across the country. Britain in Bloom groups work tirelessly throughout the year to tackle local issues and improve the place they call home. Everyone benefits from the work these groups carry out and I have seen first-hand the positive impact Britain in Bloom has had in bringing communities together.”
The economic value of In Bloom
Winning at regional or national level at Britain In Bloom isn’t just about recognising the efforts and dedication of the groups involved although it is important to acknowledge the hard work that people put in, so many of them as volunteers. Success in the competition also has significant advantages to the local economy who can share their achievements in local media, on social platforms and through signage across their village, town or city. Not only can this improve the perception of a place and attract visitors, it encourages an important sense of civic respect and social responsibility that can transform a place into a community.
At Amberol we work with many In Bloom groups across the country and we extend our best wishes and congratulations to all groups – whether you make it to the final or not and whether you win your category or not. You have all succeeded in making the place where you live a better place to be. And that’s what Britain in Bloom is all about.
Amberol supply a variety of self-watering planters to Britain in Bloom groups, councils and businesses as well as schools and universities. Planters range from large floor standing planters to hanging baskets, all using Amberol’s trademarked Aquafeed system. For more information call 01773 830930 or email sales@amberol.co.uk.
