STROUD in Bloom held its AGM and presentation event on October 27, with the meeting being chaired by Doreen Frusher.

In her report Doreen explained details of Stroud’s entry to the Heart of England Britain in Bloom campaign saying:

The Britain in Bloom campaign is not only about judging day, which takes place early in July.

It is an all year round effort.

Planning for the next year starts immediately after judging day of the current year, taking into consideration the theme which is currently a three year rolling plan (2016 is year two) focussing on the importance of green spaces for wildlife and our own health and well-being and what we can do to transform unloved spaces – however large or small – into great green spaces.

We already have approximately 30 Adopt Plots in various locations around the town, some of which we support financially with small grants, to have more space for the people of Stroud to enjoy would be amazing.

Entry to the Heart of England Britain in Bloom is not all about flowers, we are judges on the impact floral displays make, horticultural practice, residential and community gardening, business areas and premises, green spaces, heritage, conservation, biodiversity, managing resources such as recycling, litter, graffiti, fly-posting, dog fouling, how we manage our street furniture, communication and education within the community and community participation as well as the involvement of young people.

Presentations:

Certificates acknowledging support for Stroud in Bloom were awarded to:

Ken and Lilian Roberts,

Third Stroud Guides,

John and Maggie Mills,

Waitrose Stroud,

Tesco Stroud,

Sainsbury’s Stroud,

Bottle Green,

Homebase Stroud

B & Q Stroud

The following trophies were awarded:

Rosebowl Rosary School- for the encouragement of children

James & Owen cup The Lord John for outstanding floral displays

SiB cup Adopt a Plot Canal Trust (Betty and John Shadbolt) for Wallbridge Lockside

Cup Sheltered Housing Southfields for their rear garden and inclusion of resident in gardening

Haydn and Sue Sutton Landscape Group team for biodiversity

Wadsworth Trophy The Museum in the Park for the events they run and their support to SiB

SiB Cup Stroud Green Spaces Team, STC for the pleasure the green spaces give

STC cup Martyn May for ‘behind the scenes’ support as driver for the judges

Rose Bowl Linda Phillips for 25 years service to SiB (plus a small gift)

Shop Window trophy Tranzform

Stroud in Bloom urgently needs new members to assist with any further entries to Britain in Bloom remember, the entry is about Stroud and its community.

We do not have any income except any we do ourselves so funding is also needed to secure our future, whether it be by donation or grant.

If you can help with any of this please contact Doreen Frusher 01453 765218.