Shropshire: Oswestry In Bloom delight on Heart of England judges day

The trio was met by Oswestry In Bloom chairman Natalie Bainbridge, town mayor Councillor Olly Rose and volunteers who have worked around the clock to apply the finishing touches to displays across the town over recent weeks.

Judges were shown landmarks in Cae Glas Park, the Cambrian Heritage Railway and more, as the rain held off providing a great day to show off the best of the town.

Ms Bainbridge said: “It was a very enjoyable day and the judges seem to enjoy their day too which is great.

“It was a varied day – they had a tour of the park and then they went on the CHR and then went for food at OsNosh, which is a great community asset.

“We’ve had emails saying that there was a good vibe to the day and it was a nice, joyful experience with all the people showing the judges around the town having great pride in what they did.

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“We had a lot of offers and things to show but we only had three hours to show the judges around so had to cherry pick.

“We had Oswestry in Harmony, a community choir, meet and sing to the judge too – this event is about community as well.

“It’s 40 per cent about horticulture and that’s important, but it’s 60 per cent about bringing community groups together, plus sustainability and more.

“It was very good to see all these groups working together on the day, and the council too.”

Thanks were given by In Bloom to all groups who supported them and to Oswestry Town Council.