Thornbury begins to bloom for national competition (From Gazette Series)

Thornbury begins to bloom for national competition

11:45am Monday 28th March 2011 in News By Liza-Jane Gillespie

THIS year’s Thornbury In Bloom campaign has got off to a flying start with the planting of more than 200 hedge plants in the town.

Members of the Thornbury In Bloom committee were joined by members of the public at the weekend, as well as Chelsea winner Jekka McVicar, to plant the hedges.

Volunteers, with the help of Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb, planted 105 native hedge saplings on the corner of the field at the Grovesend Road roundabout.

A further 100 hedges were also planted by members of Sustainable Thornbury on the field behind the leisure centre to mark the start of the town’s new allotment plots.

Sue Aitken, chairman of the Thornbury In Bloom committee, said the hedge planting had achieved two goals.

She said: "It was about encouraging bio-diversity and giving space to insects and small animals to live, and it was also to promote the concept of volunteering.

"Britain In Bloom is all about volunteering and getting out and doing things."

This year Thornbury In Bloom will be judged twice, once for the South West regional heats and then in the national Britain In Bloom competition.

Thornbury In Bloom is looking for donations and sponsorships to help with the town’s entry this summer.

Ms Aitken said: "We need to raise £10,000 to do what we do every year. Members of the public and community groups have been fantastic, but there are still opportunities for businesses to get involved sponsoring floral displays."

For more information about Thornbury In Bloom email thornburyinbloom@yahoo.co.uk or call 01454 419350.