Heacham In Bloom Team (minus Philippa Sewell & Liz Liddington): Robbie Topliss, Geraldine Topliss, Rodney Clements, Steve Percy, Ryan Percy, Martin Johnson, Marion Johnson, Mik Harpley, Mary Harpley, Susan Richardson (Chair)

Posted by Stella Gooch
Photo by Philippa Sewell

Anglia In Bloom (which comprises 6 counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk) was another successful year for the area.  Heacham village gained a Silver Award and Norfolk Lavender (Heacham) was awarded Best Industrial/Commercial area winner.

Peter Mortin of Norfolk Lavender said:  ”We are over the moon with the award and the judges recognition of our achievements at the Norfolk Lavender site in Heacham.  Our team of staff have worked so hard over the last two years since the company was bought out of administration, by a local family, to transform the grounds, gardens and attractions on site. We have such a wonderful site here around the old water mill and the re-planted gardens and newly landscaped grounds with the new Rare Breed Animal Centre and new lavender oil distillery are something that we are really proud of.

We have great plans for the future with a new lavender field being planted which will allow visitors to actually walk through a lavender field here at Heacham for the first time ever opening in summer 2011.  A massive 8500 sq foot indoor childrens play area will be opening this Autumn making Norfolk Lavender an even more attractive place for families to visit: Whilst we have already started planning our plant displays for next year.

We would also like to thank the local people who have worked extremely hard in making Heacham and Hunstanton so attractive for visitors with all of their hard work that has gone into the local entries to the Britain in Bloom scheme, we donated some lavender plants to Heacham and Hunstanton but the residents are the real driving force, with great support from the local council and councillors.”

Hunstanton was awarded Gold and was the overall coastal category winner.  In addition, Old Hunstanton achieved a Silver Award;  Boston Square, Hunstanton also gained two nominations both for The Biodiversity Award and for the Best Garden for Special Needs;   The Allotments, Old Hunstanton were nominated for the best Grow Your Own Award.   Nearby  Great Ringstead also did well with a Bronze Award.

The Heacham In Bloom Committee can be proud of their achievements – two awards in two years can’t be bad!  Roll on 2011.

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