Cricklade's blooms are pick of the bunch

1:10pm Friday 26th September 2008

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WHEN Britain in Bloom judges arrived to inspect Cricklade last month, every bud was preened and even non-gardeners scrambled to put flowers in the window.

And the perfection of flower power has paid off after the town won gold as best small town in the country at the RHS Britain in Bloom finals.

Cricklade’s combined effort was also rewarded with a community award applauding how residents pulled together. And it snatched a triple gold for its commitment to conservation and the environment.

Cricklade Bloomers member Anita Barratt said: “I don’t think we can go much higher. This is the pinnacle. Being judged as best small town in the UK is fantastic.

“We are so pleased with the community award, as so many people have put so much effort in. Hopefully this will spur them on to do more.”

The Cricklade Bloomers’ colour scheme of red and gold has pervaded the town’s hanging baskets and beds.

And Mrs Barratt said it would be impossible to extend their reach without the help of residents and businesses.

“Lots of residents, community groups, the church and schools are involved,” she said. “It has spread out into the whole community. People have planted the colour scheme in their own gardens, adding a lovely touch for judging day.

“Even a property in the High Street had a spray of flowers in the front door. People go to so much trouble to make it special. It is so nice that people get involved.”

Cricklade Bloomers work tirelessly to ensure the saxon town’s pruned blooms always adorn its olde worlde buildings.

But Mrs Barratt said they will not rest on their laurels, even after their gold medal haul.

“The competition gives us a focus but our motivation is working towards making Cricklade a better place,” she said. “We have a few weeks off in December but that is it. We may have got gold but we won’t stop.”

Their achievements will be celebrated tonight at the United Church at 7.30pm.

“We are so excited and want to tell people about the final,” said Mrs Barratt.

They are already thinking about ideas for next year and are seeking more sponsors.Only last week the town won another competition – coming top in its category in South West in Bloom for the second year running.