I WOULD like to thank everyone who supported Thornbury in Bloom when the Britain in Bloom judges visited the town last week. It was quite an occasion for the town.

The judges were entertained with maypole dancing by Crossways Infant School children, they passed through a ‘garden (guard) of honour’ at St Mary’s School, to name but two of the activities on the day.

They visited many of our wonderful attractions, Filnore Woods, Christ the King Prayer Garden, Thornbury Community Garden, Daggs Allotments, the Castle feature and VE bed on the A38, the new Ring of Thorns and of course the town centre. The High Street, Castle Court, The Plain and Castle Street looked resplendent.

I would like to thank all the groups, too many to mention here, for all the support and hard work put in to make the town look so attractive.

It is a pity that some people find it hard to praise our town and find things to criticise about it. From my point of view, as both the chairman of Thornbury in Bloom and the town mayor, I was very proud to show the judges so much that the town has to offer.

They certainly enjoyed themselves and told all those that gathered at the Chantry what a picture the town looks.

We now have to wait until September to find out how we have fared in the competition. In the meantime I think I can speak on behalf of so many people by saying that the town looks a picture and that we as residents and visitors are all winners, whatever the judges might think, being able to enjoy Thornbury, our wonderful town.

Guy Rawlinson

Town mayor and chairman of Thornbury in Bloom