Businesses and households use flower-power for Tenby in Bloom contest

Judging for the Tenby in Bloom contest took place this week with businesses making a tremendous effort once again to brighten up the seaside town with their floral displays.

Shops, restaurants, schools, hotels and households were urged once again to pull out all the stops to help Tenby look blooming marvellous for the summer season ahead.

The In Bloom committee which comprises of chair Sue Lane, fellow members Tish Rossiter, Lynn Attewell, Sian Waters, Sam Jackson, and president Caroline Thomas were delighted with the response once again to the annual competition, which sees Tenby’s establishments join in to show off their floral flare and displays, which at the same time makes the town more colourful over the summer season.

Judging for the annual In Bloom contest took place on Wednesday, with Sue and Tish being joined by regular judges Hugh Scale and David Lewis for a walkabout the town and its outskirts to mark categories ranging from classes for private houses to hotels/guest houses; and public houses/restaurants to group projects; whilst there is also a category focusing on school projects.

“We hugely appreciate the work put in and everyone’s efforts every year - the better your displays the better and more appealing the town looks,” said chair Sue.

“It’s a pleasure for us to be invited into residents’ gardens; and the pubs, restaurants, hotels and shops always give their full support with their window boxes and hanging basket displays, so it’s great when traders in the town come on board too.

“There is a competitive element in that there are trophies awarded, but everyone has a certificate featuring their own floral displays and a silver, silver gilt or gold award to keep.

“Our Tenby in Bloom competitors, both private individuals and businesses, are a real credit to the town. They work tirelessly year after year to provide us with spectacular results, and then allow our judges into their cherished gardens.

“We really admire them and urge them to keep on making Tenby a brighter and tidier place, and we’d like to thank everyone once again who keeps this up year after year.

Tenby In Bloom is an independent organisation with a charitable status. Although in the past it has worked alongside the local authority in supporting their work, the organisation has no connection to Pembrokeshire County Council or Tenby Town Council, who are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the town’s public gardens and displays.

“We survive solely through generous donations from various organisations and individuals, as well as charity collections through events such as the Summer Spectaculars held in the town, and welcome any donations for the organisation,” added Sue.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the cause can contact the organisation through the Tenby In Bloom Facebook page or by contacting Sue via 07970 688303.

The Serendipity Holdings Rose Bowl will once again be presented to the overall winner with highest points.

Keep an eye out for the results in the next edition of the Observer out on Wednesday, July 19.