Gold Again!

Town Mayor, Jill Hood & Martin Robinson with the awards

La Dolce Vita win Best Restaurant

The Wheatsheaf win Best Pub

Richard Stevens presenting an award to Stone Recycling Centre

Judges Comments

Stone in Bloom Gold Award
Large Town Category

A wonderful welcome by the Lady Mayoress and the Bloom Committee culminated after a sunny day at a Bowling Club with what must be the best views in the country, Sir Francis Drake eat your heart out!

The enthusiasm of the committee was almost surpassed by the help and involvement of supporters. From the most venerable of Lions to the youngest of Brownies all were involved.

Many businesses produced shop displays, the Scout Band played and the judges, residents, visitors and tourists were thoroughly impressed.

A thriving local Farmers Market was the centre piece of a visit that complimented a town that has clearly embraced all the concepts of Bloom.

Areas of Achievement

Barrier baskets, quality and quantity of planting
Stonefield Park, a horticultural oasis in the centre of the town
Planted long boat 'Rebecca'
Tilling Drive allotments
What must have been the cleanest Recycling Centre in Staffordshire
Complete absence of litter and graffiti
Excellent permanent signage and lots of temporary posters and displays for judging day
Phil Hardacre's ceramic bench both as a piece of art and its chosen site
A thriving local farmers market
The obvious degree of effort both from Bloom members and all those supporting was overwhelming
Pirehill School, Head, staff and children were a pleasure to visit
The Scout Band and the Brownies opitimised 'grass root' local involvement