Joy for Halstead as town scoops gold at annual Britain in Bloom awards

More than 100 volunteers, council staff and local organisations from Halstead have been congratulated, after winning gold in the prestigious Britain in Bloom awards.

The annual competition is run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Halstead won not only gold but also earned a discretionary award for its sustainable use of water, using automated water systems overnight to reduce evaporation.

Judges said they were wowed by Halstead’s 3D floral displays commemorating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, a popular theme across the UK this year.

Halstead in Bloom started in 2000, since when it has won gold and best town in Anglia in Bloom for 12 years. It last won gold in Britain in Bloom in 2017.

Secretary Julia Smith said she was very proud of everyone who had worked so hard to achieve the town’s fifth Britain in Bloom gold award.

She said: “I am so pleased for the team. We worked so hard and its recognition for that work.

“The judges told us that, across the board, we got consistently high marks. We did very well.”

Halstead Town Council clerk Sarah Greatorex said the town council funds the plants for Halstead in Bloom at £3,250 a year, with volunteers giving their time for free.

Council staff are also involved along with partners Braintree District Council, Essex County Council, Halstead Rotary Club and Greenfield Community Housing.

“We are absolutely delighted with gold again,” she said.

“Without the volunteers, it would not happen. We are so very fortunate in Halstead to have people who want to volunteer their help.”

Darren Share, chairman of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “It’s incredibly humbling to hear about the huge efforts the finalists’ invested in making our villages, towns and cities greener places to live, work and visit.”

Halstead collected its award from RHS vice-president Baroness Floella Benjamin at a ceremony in London.