OSWESTRY in Bloom has launched its latest local competition for the best dressed in the town as part of its celebration year and is adopting a ‘friendship’ theme.
Oswestry was named the “Best Large Town in the Country” at the Britain in Bloom awards for 2023 and while the rules state that it must wait to be selected again in a few years’ time, the local group continues to ensure everything will be ‘blooming marvellous”’.
The competition is open now until Friday, June 21 and judges will start inspecting all entries in July.
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Natalie Bainbridge, chairman of Oswestry in Bloom, said they were looking forward to the new year of competition.
She said: “Having local businesses so keen to sponsor our awards shows how much the work of our residents and volunteers is appreciated.
“In 2024 we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Britain in Bloom, and this year’s theme is “friendship”.
“We have set the shop window competition to reflect “Garden Friends” and are really looking forward to seeing the results.”
A spokesman for the group added: “There are lots of categories, and entries are welcomed from residents, businesses, and community groups.”
Councillor Olly Rose, the outgoing mayor of Oswestry, visited some of last year’s entrants.
She said: “What an absolute privilege to view the entries and the beautiful gardens and businesses.
“I would love to see as many businesses as possible enter the Oswestry in Bloom competition this year as flowers and plants really help to increase biodiversity and wildlife, as well as brighten up the areas we live and work in.
“There are so many categories to enter, something for everyone.”
Categories for 2024 are best: commercial premises for the town centre and industrial estate; dressed window display; school project; community project; residential front garden and back garden – both small and large; residential container garden; residential kitchen garden and pub or hotel.
There will also be a Young Gardener Award.
The spokesman added: “Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony which will take place in the autumn with a trophy awarded to the winner of each category.
“This year each category will be sponsored by a local business.
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“So far, sponsors include Oswestry Life, Oswestry BID, AICO, Cambrian Hearing, Roche, Oswestry Borderland Tourism, North Shropshire College, Oswalds Cars, Black Hawk Laser, Stans Supermarket, iHeat and Agritel.”
You can enter online from Oswestry in Bloom’s website: www.oswestryinbloom.wordpress.com
Entry forms will be available at The Guildhall and the Library.
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