SODBURY in Bloom is hoping for a third gold medal after judges inspected the town.

Green-fingered committee members had been working round the clock to ensure Chipping Sodbury’s High Street, public parks and gardens, businesses and verges were blossoming before Britain in Bloom visited last Wednesday (July 9).

The judges were given a tour of the town including areas which have been spruced up during the past year, projects the In Bloom volunteers have been working on and areas which have flourished thanks to help from partner organisations.

“It went extremely well,” said In Bloom secretary Julia Bernau. “We were very lucky with the weather and we have all been working really hard.

“It was very satisfying to see all the hard work come off and we are very grateful to everyone who helped in whatever way and to all those who supported our efforts.”

This year’s Royal Horticultural Society theme was gold, to mark the 50th Britain in Bloom competition, and Sodbury in Bloom added red and black colours to their displays to mark the centenary of World War One.

The tour included the Old Grammar School courtyard where local historian Jim Elsworth provided a brief history of the building before showing the judges a peace tree, laden with messages to soldiers written by members of Chipping Sodbury’s Youth Club.

They saw a boat donated by Chipping Sodbury Yacht Club, planted in a beach theme, and visited the new Jubilee pathway at The Ridings, the Millennium Garden on Wickwar Road which as undergone a replanting scheme this year and Batten Court, an elderly residents’ complex on Hounds Road, where the committee has planted bulbs donated by Almondsbury Garden Centre.

They also walked up and down the High Street where businesses had planted tubs and hung red, gold and black baskets above their door frames.

Added Julia: “We will have to wait until September for the results but we are hopeful.

“This is our fifth year of entering the competition. We started off with a silver and best newcomer award, then a silver gilt and two golds so we would love to add a third gold to that.

“But we do not just do this for the competition. We have become a recognised event in the Chipping Sodbury calendar now and it is nice to know we are making a difference and to see so many people getting involved and realising it is good fun.”

She added: “We want to thank everyone for their support and we are pleased to see them enjoying the fruits of our labour.”

The group meets on the first Thursday (10am) of every month and will continue to do so to water and maintain plants and flowers. New members are always welcome.