IT was another awards night to remember for Ledbury in Bloom, when the team was rewarded with the town’s eleventh gold medal in a row.

Almost 200 people gathered in Warwick Castle last Thursday (September 14) for the Heart of England in Bloom 2017 Awards.

Among them were three members of Ledbury in Bloom: Chairman Clive Gunn, anxious whether in his first year he could maintain the run of 10 Gold Awards that his predecessors had gained and his wife Jane, who had been particularly responsible for the recycling of the green waste that the group had created, especially on the regular Thursday working parties.

The third member of the party was Anita Griskjane whose special responsibility has been the watering and feeding of the many tubs, planters and beds that Ledbury in Bloom are responsible for.

Mr Gunn said: “We were representing the dozen ‘hardy perennials’ and the many others who have chipped in on an occasional basis to create the blooming lovely Ledbury that had welcomed the three judges in July.

“Ledbury had been entered in the Town Category with the theme of ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’. We gathered by the stage with the other nine contenders in their category. Then it was our turn to collect a certificate and at the words “Ledbury - Gold”, a small impromptu celebration followed.”

Mr Gunn added: “All the hard work of so many people had been recognised and we had managed to extend our run of golds.”

The judges commented: “Ledbury in Bloom have certainly risen to the challenge this year, despite not having a chairman as late as March; wonders have been achieved in getting the town looking so good for judging day.”

After the presentation Mr Gunn said: “This is a great result and I would like to thank everyone who has been part of the team from our many financial backers to the roundabout sponsors to our plantsmen at Barbers Bridge Nursery for the tub and trough plants and the guys at Radway Bridge for the hanging baskets. They provide the materials but all the hard work, the weeding, pruning, deadheading and digging is done by a loyal band of volunteers who have given up their time in all kinds of weather.

“They typify the generous spirit of the group.”