After the news of Great Yarmouth's longstanding competition folding due to budget cuts a Gorleston man endeavoured to save it.
Two weeks ago, former Great Yarmouth and Gorleston In Bloom co-ordinator Sue Hacon announced that the funding cut had left the group effectively "disbanded".
The council pulled the plug on a grant worth around £15,000, forcing Mrs Hacon to announce hanging baskets in parts of the borough, as well as the annual In Bloom competition, had been scrapped.
Former Great Yarmouth and Gorleston In Bloom co-ordinator Sue Hacon after the town won silver in the Anglia competition in 2008. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest)
With a remaining grant of around £1,500 from GYBid, there was only enough money for barrier baskets and planters outside the Town Hall and Gorleston library.
However, Gorleston resident and former In Bloom winner Philip Stone "rallied the troops" and got to work on a new In Bloom organisation for the area.
"I think a lot of people felt it was a big mistake to stop the competitions," Mr Stone said.
"But nobody was doing anything about it, so I got involved.
"In Bloom is more than just about pretty gardens. It's about the community, people and that sense of well-being."
Mal Ferris' winning entry at a former Great Yarmouth and Gorleston In Bloom competition. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)
Today (June 20) saw the creation of the new Yarmouth Borough in Bloom (YBB), with a new competition announced for Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and the surrounding areas.
The group's new chair is Tracie Cameron, with Mr Stone as vice-chair and press officer. The group has also secured sponsorship from Scraby Garden Centre and a pledge from Ormesby councillor Justin Rundle.
New trophies (yet to be inscribed) have been made for this year's In Bloom competition. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)
"If this was allowed to go, it wouldn't come back," Mr Stone added.
"And if we keep this going, we have the basis to grow.
"We're saving something very special for a lot of people. You can make a lot of difference without a lot of money.
"But it needs to have joined-up thinking.
"If you want people to feel proud about where they live, you need to keep the streets clean, have everything in order and allow them to make the place look pretty.
"We don't want that to be taken away."
Yarmouth Borough in Bloom Competition 2023
There is no entry fee for this year's Yarmouth In Bloom competition.
The competition covers Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Belton with Browston, Bradwell and Burgh Castle, Caister, Filby, Felggburgh, Fritton and St Olaves, Hemsby and Hopton, Martham and Mautby, Ormesby and Scratby, Repps with Bastwick and Rollesby, Somerton and Stokesby with Herringby, Thurne, West Caister and Winterton.
Green-fingered enthusiasts will be judged in the following categories:
- gardens under 60 sqm
- gardens over 60sqm
- best commercial premises
- allotments
- environmentally friendly
The new judges will carry out inspections in August, with an awards ceremony pencilled in at the Town Hall for September.
To enter email tracie.marshview@yahoo.co.uk with the following details: Name, address, telephone number, category and state if back garden.
The deadline for entries is July 31.
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