Silver gilt'¨for Sleaford in Bloom

Battling it out against tough opposition from the likes of Spalding, Buxton and Market Harborough in the large town category, Sleaford held its own in the awards ceremony this month after being scored by visiting judges in July.

SIB secretary Becky Mayfield said: “We are very relieved to still get a silver gilt award as we are in a category against much larger towns, but we were disappointed to have scored less marks than last year when we were only two points off gold.”

She said the totally volunteer-led scheme to get the community involved in tidying up the town and adding floral displays is simply under resourced compared to other entrants.

The team took heart from the complements made by judges on the high standards of floral displays, assisted by town businesses and the Town Council, such as the well maintained Boston Road recreation ground and the gardens in Westgate Park which won an individual gold award for best residential garden.

Mrs Mayfield said: “The continued and still improving partnership with the Town Council just keeps getting stronger and to an extent there is an improvement with North Kesteven District Council as well.”

Economic Development Manager Alan Gray had spoken to judges about the regeneration plans for Sleaford.

There was some criticism from judges about the street furniture in town needing some attention and maintenance, with the suggestion that sponsorship may help. The Sleaford In Bloom team would speak to the councils responsible about that.

There were also gold judge’s awards for Lollycocks Field nature reserve and William Alvey Primary School whose pupils have helped design plaques for a new art and heritage trail around the town.

A gold award went to Miller’s cafe bar and brasserie for best hotel/pub garden and the Sleep Shop premises received a bronze in the best retail/commercial premises for its planters and hanging baskets.

Lincolnshire River Trust earned an award for its work to restore wildlife to the Rauceby Banks area of the River Slea and another award was presented for Sleaford Rivercare group for keeping the river tidy.

The awards to the groups and businesses were all handed out at a ceremony in Sleaford Town Hall last Wednesday by Sleaford In Bloom chairman Ada Trethewey.

The In Bloom group is seeking to recruit more members to boost the results it can achieve.