A Monthly Publication

GOLDEN WONDER

By Peter Davidson

At last!  As reported in last month’s Newsletter, after four year’s of trying, Hunstanton’s entry in this year’s Anglia in Bloom competition succeeded in achieving the coveted Gold Award from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).  Not only that, but Hunstanton was judged to be the best small coastal town in East Anglia…...we’ve always known that of course, but it’s nice to have it officially recognised.

In view of the town’s previous excellent results in this competition over the last four years, the RHS invited us this year to compete in the prestigious Britain-in-Bloom contest.  This competition required a considerable step-up in our efforts if Hunstanton was to achieve a creditable result against some very formidable national opposition, including Hayle, Swanage, Lytham and St. Brelade in Jersey.  Thanks to the dedicated work of Council staff and volunteers throughout the town, Hunstanton achieved a wonderful result and was presented with a Silver Gilt award by BBC Gardeners’ World host Toby Buckland, at the national awards ceremony held recently in Torquay.

Although the outright winner in our coastal towns group was St Brelade, to have achieved a Silver Gilt at our first attempt in this competition was an outstanding achievement for Hunstanton.  In reviewing the results the judges were particularly impressed by the general standard of maintenance and freedom from litter and graffiti in the town, the planting and upkeep by gardeners and volunteers in the Esplanade Gardens, and the cliff-top St Edmunds chapel, wolf and signpost garden project.  Other aspects favourably commented on by the judges were the new interpretation boards and heritage trail, the partnership work to improve unsightly gaps around the town, and the innovative work by residents of Silfield Gardens..

A number of holiday-makers to Hunstanton this summer have commented very favourably on the improvements, which confirms that all the efforts by Council staff and volunteers have not only been undertaken for the sake of the RHS competitions, but more importantly, have increased the attractiveness of the town for both residents and tourists.   Increasing visitor numbers is of considerable financial benefit to a town such as ours, and it is hoped that next year a greater number of businesses will feel able to play their part by participating in the In-Bloom project. Until then, the Chairman and members of the Hunstanton-In-Bloom Committee wish to congratulate all those who contributed to Hunstanton’s great achievements this year, and to thank Council workers and volunteers for all their hard work.