Normally Abingdon enters Britain in Bloom. It did not happen in 2007 because of the floods. It did not happen again in 2011 because of “administrative changes.”
Petunias now mix with fallen fruit, in this bed, as summer moves on.
Community projects are increasingly important in Britain in Bloom, and not just council show pieces. This year I have heard of the Carswell School garden, the tree planting on the Ock Valley Walk, and soon there could be a community orchard – good candidates should Abingdon enter next year. There could well be others.
I’d love to know what people think about the formal britain in bloom thing, ie the competition which is the only thing which has been cancelled for this year (all the floral displays etc and the Abingdon in bloom competition are continuing as before).
Apparently there’s a lot of time spent by the officers – the town clerk advised me it was nineteen person days just to prepare the submission, a video, support tge visit of the judges etc, which could be diverted to other activities eg planting, weeding.
Would readers of the blog prefer the recognition of an award or more time on the actual displays etc?
Genuine question – I have no personal axe to grind.
I think the idea of a community orchard would be wonderful.
Thanks for the further explanation, rather than just citing “administrative changes” – that’s quite helpful. Regarding the comment from Iain above, if there has to be a choice, then more time on the actual displays, of course.
Personally, I’d always thought the whole Britain in Bloom thing was a waste of time and money, anyway: the idea of outsiders coming in to judge #Abingdon against other towns – especially if it costs us money – isn’t per se appealing. I’d like to know how the value of such an award can be quantified to the town.
I also have no axe to grind in respect of the internal party politics of the town. I don’t even have a drum to bang.
I would imagine that cancellation at such a late stage meant that a lot of the administrative time had already been spent on the entry. Anyway, I know that in the past a lot of the energy was put in voluntarily by town councillors – the contribution by Pat Hobby springs immediately to mind.
As to the value of entering Britain in Bloom: if the desire is to attract tourists to our town, then a good showing in Britain in Bloom matters a lot. I know people who plan their holidays in order to see good floral displays (I am not one of them) and they take note of the Britain in Bloom results.
I very much doubt that not entering Britain in Bloom will mean more time spent on displays. in terms of officer time, probably most of the time was spent by our town clerk, Nigel Warner. Personally I doubt that because of the decision to pull out of the cometition he will be pulling on his overalls and weeding flower beds, do you?
I think many local residents – participants in Britain in Bloom were very disappointed. Entry in the contest should not take up much additional council officers’ times as there are so many councillors, former councillors and members of the community ready and willing to do the work.
Waste of time and money. I’m sure the Town Council has more important things to do with its money??
It would be interesting to know how many people share that view. It’s my belief that the vast majority of residents really appreciate the floral displays which enhance the beauty of our town and the tourists are attracted by them. As for ‘man’ hours there have always been many willing volunteers both councillors and members of the community which the previous administration appreciated and encouraged.