North Norfolk … Simply Outstanding was held in Hunstanton this year and was very well attended. The stalls extended throughout a vast area of Searles Leisure Resort and visitors had the opportunity to see the wide range of tourism services on offer in North Norfolk. The event followed on from the success of last year’s event at Gresham organised by the North Norfolk Tourism Round Table. They joined forces with North Norfolk District Council, The Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk and the West Norfolk Tourism Forum to make the 2010 event bigger than ever.
Cllr Elizabeth Watson representing Hunstanton in Bloom at North Norfolk .. Simply Outstanding Exhibition 2010
Hunstanton had a number of exhibitors promoting the area including growers of local produce and farm shops, Sandringham House, Norfolk Lavender, Bircham Windmill, Snettisham Park Farm, Discover West Norfolk, Visit Hunstanton and Cllr Elizabeth Watson represented Hunstanton in Bloom.
Shortly after the exhibition, the Hunstanton in Bloom Committee extended an invitation to green-fingered residents to head for Hunstanton on 27 March to help create a horticultural waterfall on the seafront and launch the town’s 2010 Britain in Bloom programme.
The Hunstanton in Bloom team and volunteers will bring a splash of colour to the site of a former waterfall, using 150 thrift, campion, festuca glauca, carex hachjoensis evergold, sedum and ivy plants to replicate the once babbling water. As well as providing a pretty focal point, the design will help to attract insects to the area, supporting biodiversity.
The planting initiative will coincide with the Royal Horticultural Society’s project to create a ‘green river of plant life’ across the UK.
Cllr. Elizabeth Watson, Chair of the Hunstanton in Bloom Committee, said: “We’re really proud that Hunstanton has been named as a Britain in Bloom finalist for the second year running, and delighted to be one of only 8 entrants in the coastal category.
“The campaign is a great way to get people involved in making the most of the place in which they live and we’re hoping even more people will join us this year. I’d encourage people to come along on Saturday 27 to get stuck into the planting and find out more about what’s in store over the coming months.”
To help transform the 5m² waterfall bed, go to the Butterfly Shelter adjacent to the green at 12 noon on 27 March. Volunteers will be met by a representative of the committee. No experience is necessary. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Hunstanton Stall at North Norfolk Simply Outstanding 2010
As part of their centenary celebrations, four generations of girl guides will also be taking up the gardening gauntlet. Town Mayor, Christine Earnshaw, will greet members of the Rainbows, Brownies, Girl Guides and Trefoil Guild at 10.30 am as they set about planting 19 silver birch trees at the community centre. The trees, which will be under planted with snowdrops, will help to add interest to the landscape, as well as providing a haven for birds.
Stephanie Eynon, Community Horticulture Manager, RHS, said: “RHS Britain in Bloom enables people to join together to improve their local communities and restore civic pride through long-term, sustainable projects which are also beneficial for wildlife.
“The launch weekend this year is supporting the United Nations’ International Year of Biodiversity, encouraging groups to organise their projects and events, from planting to pruning, with this in mind.”
For more information about Hunstanton in Bloom and to find out how you can get involved visit www.westnorfolkinbloom.co.uk or email:westnorfolkinbloom@west-norfolk.gov.uk