EVERYTHING is coming up roses for Weymouth as the town has scooped a gold award in the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition - the first time the town has entered the award.
The national competition recognises communities of all shapes and sizes with a focus on three main criteria: horticultural excellence, environmental responsibility and community participation.
Not only did Weymouth win the gold award in the Business Improvement District category - said to be "unheard of" for a first time applicant - but the town was also given additional recognition for outstanding contribution in horticulture at Greenhill gardens, and was awarded 'best newcomer.'
Britain in Bloom is the UK's longest running gardening competition. It provides a regional and nationwide platform for community groups to brighten up their town or city. Many groups also report wide-ranging social and environmental benefits.
We Are Weymouth (BID) decided to enter the competition in June with only a five-week turnaround; working relentlessly on their entry. Preparation by We Are Weymouth, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Council and local volunteers included extensive planting, painting, cleaning and hanging 311 floral baskets, throughout the town.
Chief operations officer Dawn Rondeau and Zach Williams from the We Are Weymouth team attended the awards ceremony in Weston-super-Mare with Tara Williams, parks and open spaces manager for Weymouth Town council on October 7 and said they were "thrilled" to collect the awards.
Dawn Rondeau said: “Attaining the Gold award is an amazing honour for the town.
"Weymouth has so much to offer in terms of scenic locations, and I am thrilled that we had the opportunity to promote Weymouth’s gardens and town centre, along with our beautiful beaches.”
She added: “I am so proud of the partnership between We Are Weymouth BID, Weymouth Town council and Dorset Council who worked tirelessly to meet tight deadlines, working closely with the businesses community.
"I personally want to acknowledge the incredible support from Tara and her team as well as local volunteers who worked incredibly hard to add the finishing touches to the award-winning route through the town.
"To gain recognition such as this, after such a difficult 18 months, is fantastic and we’re excited to share this outstanding news.”
Planning ahead
Since its beginnings in the 1960s, Britain in Bloom has showcased the very best of UK communities in bloom and now encourages community projects and partnerships across the country.
With participation this year spearheaded by We Are Weymouth, organisers hope to see Weymouth put on the map and are endeavouring to enter again in 2022 with a newly selected route through the town.
More than just a pretty beach...
Tara Williams, parks and open spaces manager at Weymouth Town Council, added: "When the BID said they wanted to enter the Britain in Bloom competition we were fully supportive and wanted to do everything we could to assist.
"In five weeks we did remarkably well to achieve this standard and to win this award is testament to the year-round dedication of the gardeners and volunteers in Greenhill Gardens; we are all very proud to have been given this award."
Mayor of Weymouth cllr Colin Huckle said: "This is great news and a fantastic team effort with so many people involved.
"It is great for there to be an increased focus on Weymouth's gardens as, because we are a seaside town, a lot of focus is given to the beaches, so it is lovely that the gardens are getting some recognition."
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