Britain in Bloom 2010

Britain In Bloom – Maintaining Standards and Beyond
The results of the Britain in Bloom 2010 regional competition was announced on the last day of September and there were a few delighted but some glum faces in the audience representing towns and villages in the Thames Valley and Chilterns area. It was clear that as the awards were announced that judging had been stricter in some areas than in previous years and towns who received a Gold Award last year were downgraded to Silver Gilt.

So it was with some relief that the announcement that Aylesbury had once again been awarded a Silver Gilt for 2010. And with great pleasure when it was revealed that Vale Park had been awarded the regional Best Park award.

The Britain in Bloom competition does not just cover floral displays. If it did Aylesbury would have been up among the contenders for the Gold Award. This year we have received a considerable increased number of letters, e-mails and telephone calls praising the hanging baskets, roundabout and railing planting. Many of these contacts have been made from visitors and residents of towns and villages living in the surrounding area.

Its been a difficult year due to disruption to the town due to development. As can be seen from our picture a fantastic display can be produced but then marred by “unhelpful” road signs, cones and other paraphernalia of road works and development. Lets hope that there will be less disturbance next year.

Chairman of the Town Council’s Environment Committee said “This years floral displays, which were good last year, are even better this year. A great deal of work and planning goes into trying to make the town attractive to all and its great to have it confirmed by the Britain in Bloom judges that we are getting there. Its part of the overall effort to make Aylesbury a good place to live and shop”.