Diversity is key to Bradford on Avon's blooming success

Mayor Cllr Peter Leach thinks this year’s event was a huge success and he was proud of the diverse entries in the commercial and residential categories.

He said: “We had an excellent response, there was an impressive selection of entries. I particularly like the fact that everyone interprets the rules differently, so it makes for quite a varied competition.”

Competition judge James Vincent, of the Avonfield Garden Centre, Holt Road, Bradford on Avon, was escorted around the town by councillors when he recently visited entries.

The Lock Inn, Frome Road, landed top-spot in the Best Pub/Restaurant Floral Display award.

Owner Dick Barrow said: “A competition like this is the essence of the town, as it promotes a competitive nature which makes the town look nice.

“Quite simply, the more people who enter the better the town looks.”

The Lock Inn submitted hanging baskets and a variety of flowerbeds in troughs to win great praise.

Judge Mr Vincent’s report said: “Once again, all who travel along Frome Road could not miss this bright and vibrant display which is not confined to just the front of the premises but continues along the canal and the back of the property. It is a truly spectacular sight.”

Another business which blossomed in the competition was Widbrook Grange Hotel, who took second place in the Best Guest House/ Hotel Floral Display category and earned praise from Mayor Leach for its interior.

He said: “The Widbrook Grange Hotel should be very proud of all the effort they’ve put into their entries this year.”

The owner of the Widbrook Grange, Peter Wragg, said: “We’ve entered the competition for a number of years, mostly for internal displays, as I think it stimulates people and puts customers into a good mood.

Judge Mr Vincent said: “It has been a very enjoyable experience and great to meet so many people who are committed to making our town a better place.”

Mayor Leach said that he was now looking forward to the Bradford on Avon Flower Show, which will be held on September 11 at St Marg-aret’s Hall between 2pm and 4.30pm.

For more details, email to townclerk@bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Results -

Residential section.

Best front garden or display seen from a public place: Neville Day, Southville Close; Mr Chris Wring, Priory Close; Mrs J Smith, Highfield Road and Mr K Clifford, Southville Road; Mrs Vicky More, Terracotta Court.

Best garden with bedding plants (only one entrant): Paul Harris, New Road.

Best garden with perennial plants: Keith Carrier, St Laurence Road; Neville Day, Southville Close; Paul Harris, New Road; Miss Ann Seward, Coppice (VHC).

Best display of hanging basket, window boxes, planter and/or pots: Neville Day, Southville Close; Mr Chris Wring, Priory Close; Mr D Maundrell, New Road; Mrs Edna Street, Church Street and Paul Harris, New Road.

Best vegetable garden or allotment: Julian Weltike, Sladesbrook allotment; Vernon Burchell, Church Street; Michael Desmares, New Road.

Best garden overall: Keith Carrier, St Laurence Road; Neville Day, Southville Close; Miss Ann Seward, Coppice Hill; HC, Mrs J Smith, Highfield Road; Mr K Clifford, Southville Road and Paul Harris, New Road.

Best terrace/balcony garden: Paul Harris, New Road; Mrs Vicky More, Terracotta Court; Miss Ann Seward, Coppice Hill.

Best school or club garden by students/young people: Christchurch Primary.

Commercial section: Best pub/restaurant floral display: Richard Barrow, The Lock Inn; Liz Northeast, The Rising Sun, Winsley Road.

Best guest house/hotel floral display: Mr R Joyce, Woolley Grange Hotel; Jane Wragg, Widbrook Grange Hotel. Best enhancement of a public space by a business: V Kisioglu, The Canal Trust Cafe, Frome Road; Dr Simon Fieldhouse, Dutch Barton Dental Practice; Mr R Joyce, Woolley Grange Hotel.

Best enhancement of a public space by a private individual or individuals: Dave Walden, Railway Platform Garden, Station Car Park; Caroline Francis, Spencer Moulton Bowls Club, Trowbridge Road.