Heart of England in Bloom Awards
11th September 2008

Peter, Rosemary & Jackie travelled to Burton on Trent for the HoE Awards Ceremony. We were thrilled to again win the Gold Award in the Large Village Category and the Large Village Category. Near the end of the Ceremony, HoE Chairman Les Goodman started reading out the qualities that had decided the judges on who should be the overall winner. As Les worked through the list, we began to realise that it was Upton upon Severn that had been awarded the Overall Winner Award. We are still in a state of euphoria at the achievement, which was gained through the help of so many people, both directly and indirectly, and can only once again thank everybody for their help in achieving it.

Judges Comments

Upton in Bloom - Worcestershire
Large Village Gold Award, Category Winner and Overall Winner

The judges visited Upton upon Severn on what appears to have been the hottest day of this summer.  The first impression was of a very clean and tidy town, these standards were achieved throughout the whole visit underpinned by magnificent bedding, environmental awareness of the highest standard, signage and permanent planting.  Together with the sun though, what shone through was a phenomenal commitment from the whole community driven by the Upton in Bloom Committee.  Upton in Bloom is representing the Heart of England region in the Britain in Bloom Campaign; we wish them well and are sure they will do the region proud.

Points that impressed the judges:

º Quality of planting in barrier troughs at Waterside
º Impact of the seven planted boats at strategic positions at village entry points
º Magnificent residential gardens in Rectory Road and Gardens Walk
º Carpet bed at Old Churchyard depicting a Severn Sailing Trow
º Permanent planting at the Sensory Bed
º Introduction of permanent planting tubs in New Street
º Berrow Court Courtyard gardens
º Green Grow soil conditioner produced from Upton's own garden waste
º Some innovative water saving systems especially on barrier troughs and street lighting columns
º Excellent signage throughout the village
º Absolutely spotless streets and public areas completely devoid of fly posting, graffiti and dog fouling
º Schools commitment from litter picking, planting, bridge mural etc
º The exceptional community involvement in Upton is a credit to all concerned and Uptonians should all be proud of the drive that the Upton in Bloom Committee is contributing to their village.