Brandon in Bloom 'to show the rest of the UK' after becoming finalist in Britain in Bloom competition
The head of horticulture for a green-fingered Brandon group has said she is excited after it was short-listed in a RHS Britain in Bloom category for the first time as the competition celebrates its 60th year.
Brandon in Bloom, is one this year’s 44 finalists and is the Anglia region’s representative for the six-strong Town section of the UK competition.
The group will compete against the likes of Abergavenny Town Council, Wistaston in Bloom from the North West and Donaghadee in Ulster, Northern Ireland.
Rachel Sobiechowski said: "Entry into the Britain in Bloom campaign will promote Brandon on a national level. We intend to do our best to show the rest of the UK just what a wonderful community Brandon has. It is very exciting news.
“In order to achieve success though we now need more volunteers to join our team of 26, doing physical tasks such as gardening, watering and litter picking, but we also have lots of handy craft work and admin tasks too.
“We are launching a new sponsorship scheme at three levels as well so all local businesses can donate to our group but also receive various levels of advertising and other rewards in return for their much needed support.”
Brandon first entered Anglia in Bloom in 2018, that year it received a Silver gilt award and Best new entry win.
In 2019, Brandon in Bloom took its first gold in the regional competition and, after a two-year break due to the pandemic, the group won big last year - taking three gold awards and a trio of category wins for Best Town, Best Jubilee Display and Best Garden for special needs.
Chris Durham, chairman of Anglia in Bloom, said: "We are thrilled to have Brandon representing Anglia In Bloom in the RHS Britain in Bloom national awards.
Brandon in Bloom really have progressed through out the years with a dedicated team of volunteers who have positively transformed many areas within their local community.
"The Brandon team through their tireless work have not only inspired their local community but have inspired other entrants within the whole Anglia In Bloom region."
The group also received congratulations from West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock on the news.
He said: "I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to hear Brandon in Bloom has been chosen to represent our region at the prestigious Britain in Bloom finals.
"Hats off to the team and to the local community for all your hard work - it’s a fantastic achievement and one you should be immensely proud of. Good luck Brandon."
