National Results: Gold Medal and Overall Best in our Group

Despite this being our first entry to the National Competition we were overjoyed to be awarded one of only two Golds in our category and then to be given the award for overall best entry in that group!

We were also one of four towns short-listed to win an RHS Discretionary award for “Quality Of Environment”

The judges' comments were that it is the Community Involvement that makes Thornbury stand out from the rest of the competition.

So to EVERYONE who has been involved in whatever way a HUGE THANK-YOU comes from the Thornbury In Bloom team on behalf of the residents, businesses and visitors of Thornbury.

AS you can imagine we are already thinking of what we can do to build on our success and if you have any ideas or would like to become involved and help in ANY way, from fund-raising to plant raising please let us know.

From individuals to Community groups and businesses there will be a way in which you can join in and help make Thornbury a better and greener place to live.

With thanks from all the team: Sue Aitken, Robert Gorham, Sue Horsfall, Syd Philp, Val Gregory, Tony Sansum, Joan Tuck, Jean Owen, Fran Sparrow, Sue Trowell, Rose Lock, Jenny Evans, Guy Rawlinson and Sandra Richardson.

Gold Medal Again For Thornbury

A large contingent from Thornbury In Bloom travelled to Yeovil to the regional award ceremony for South West In Bloom and we were pleased to be awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for our category.

This year we were up against 5 other towns: Burnham On Sea, Ilfracombe, St Ives and Carbis Bay, Chard and Street. Only St Ives and Thornbury won a Gold but we were pipped by 1 POINT to the overall trophy by St Ives!

Congratulations also to our Neighbourhood award entries, with Cetificates of Merit going to The United Reform Church, Pullins Green, Litter Busters and The Bathings, and awards of outstanding achievement going to The Community Garden and The Christ The King Prayer Garden.

Soon we hear how we have done in our first entry to the National competition. THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS GO TO ALL WHO HAVE SUPPORTED OUR TOWN AND ITS ENTRY IN ANY WAY HOWEVER LARGE OR SMALL.

New Young Person's Award

A message from Sue Aitken and the Thornbury in Bloom team:

This year we have been given a new Trophy by Tony Lines in memory of his Wife Janet and it is to be awarded to the best project by a person or people under the age of 18.

Although the other local competitions have been judged I thought it worth leaving this one open until the end of the school holidays and asking if anyone would like to nominate an individual or group of young people.

The award could cover gardening/allotment work. Perhaps helping elderly people or making a garden where there was none before. Or it could cover conservation work, clearing rubbish or litter. It could even be youngsters who have worked to promote a Green Initiative in their environment.

Ideally I would like the award to be made to some young person[s] who have shown some of their own initiative in doing their activities but if the children are very young and have been under adult supervision that too will be considered.

We are aware of the projects at most of our schools but if there is one individual who has really made a difference, we would like to hear about them.

To make your nomination, email

See the 2009 scarecrows!

Click here to see photos of the 2009 Scarecrow competition.

Thornbury in Bloom

We all enjoy the floral displays that brighten up Thornbury each Summer. Imaginative floral creations welcome us as we enter the town, and hanging baskets and tubs create colourful splashes throughout the town centre.

For this we have to thank the Thornbury in Bloom Committee - a group of volunteers who raise money each year to fund the displays, and work hard to plant up the various containers.

Their efforts make Thornbury an attractive place for locals and visitors.

Thornbury's green-fingered experts are closely involved; many of the hanging baskets and business decorations are supplied by Tytherington Road Nursery, Jean Owen from J&T Owen florists decorates the Parish Pump as well as other containers throughout Thornbury, and Sue Aitken from Thornbury Garden Shop fills upturned putchers - these used to be used for catching fish on the River Severn and provide a visual link with Thornbury's heritage.

You'll find the putchers around Rock Street, the allotments and at Thornbury Garden Shop.

It's not just those of us who live locally who appreciate the effort and skill that goes into creating the floral displays. The Thornbury in Bloom committee enters the Britain in Bloom competition, and regularly wins awards.

2008 was an exceptional year. We not only won a Gold Medal and a trophy for being best in our class but also we won the Sponsors trophy for being the Best Entry in the Whole of the South West.

We had 4 entries in the Neighbourhood Awards who all did very well and we won a Royal Horticultural Society award for the Best Interpretation of the theme "Local Roots".

This year we are expanding on this theme with a second piece of farm machinery planted in Rock Street Gardens, well worth a look.

Prizes are awarded locally to businesses: pubs, shops and even industrial units take part.

There are also local prizes for private gardens, and everyone is encouraged to take part. There are certificates and garden vouchers to be won!

Each Spring the Thornbury in Bloom committee holds a Thornbury in Bloom Day, with plant stalls and collections, culminating with an evening event, which in the past has involved presentations by Chelsea Gold Medal winners such as Jekka McVicar and Leyhill Prison.

For more information visit www.thornburyinbloom.co.uk

If you would like to join the Thornbury in Bloom committee, please contact the Chair Sue Aitken or any committee member at .

If you would like to enter your home or shop in the Thornbury in Bloom competition, please collect an entry form from the Town Hall.

Sue Aitken at Thornbury Garden Shop produces a Thornbury In Bloom newsletter. If you would like to receive this by email, send your email address to:

Thornbury Town Council

Garden Centres