BRITAIN IN BLOOM 2008
Darley were narrowly beaten into second place in the country by Nottingham in the Champion of Champions category of awards. In this most prestigious of all the Britain in Bloom Awards, only 3 Gold Awards were made and Darley, once again, achieved Gold Standard, but not quite as high a score as the professional, sponsored team from Nottingham. More details to follow when available.
2007
GOLD AWARD - OVERALL CATEGORY WINNER
The judges said:
The quality of displays, both floral and sustainable, in this rural setting was of the highest standard. Natural and formal displays were evenly balanced and all sectors of the community were involved in the displays. The wildlife projects undertaken at the school and elsewhere highlighted the importance of environmental issues taken by this community. The exciting project of the new community centre includes sound environmental and sustainable management. The community showed an appreciation of all facets of the Britain in Bloom campaign and all sectors of the community were involved in the numerous adopted projects. The village is commended for its standards of cleanliness.
Floral Displays
The judges were particularly impressed with:
The balance between floral displays and wildlife plantings was entirely in keeping with the character of this rural community set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
A consistently high quality of residential floral displays witnessed
The gateway displays were fitting beneath the excellent village signage, showing the pedigree of a Village In Bloom
Residents adopting local responsibility for displays throughout the village and for the strong support and quality of gardens in the Open Gardens Scheme.
Permanent Landscaping, Including Shrubs
The judges were particularly impressed with:
The village green spaces were very well presented throughout with evidence of new tree planting
The Birds, Bees and Butterflies borders planted and maintained by local residents.
An extremely high standard of consistency witnessed throughout, particularly the planting at the school, new community centre, the Wellington Inn and various roadside locations
Conservation and Recycling
The judges were particularly impressed with:
Extremely strong programme of native plantings, management of wild areas, and provision of habitats with the involvement of many areas of the community, including such organisations as the Army apprentices, RHS, Flora Locale, Scouts and Rangers groups at the school wildlife area and Fringill Beck.
The excellent interpretation board and wildlife Information leaflets at Fringill Beck
Irrigation water taken from a local spring to minimise reliance on mains supply, and the policy of reducing less sustainable plantings.
Local Environmental Quality
The judges were particularly impressed with:
Excellent standards were experienced throughout the village .
The awareness and poster campaigns undertaken by the children.
Public Awareness
The judges were particularly impressed with:
Evidence seen throughout was outstanding, in particular the web site, portfolio, compost fact sheet, teachers' guide to wildlife and notice board and information leaflets at Fringill Beck .
The close working relationship between the Bloom team and the community to secure sponsorship.
Information about Britain in Bloom
In 2002 the Royal Horticultural Society took over the responsibility for Britain in Bloom, a national campaign involving hundreds of cities, towns, villages and commercial enterprises every year. The objects of Britain in Bloom are to improve the environment for the enjoyment of residents and visitors by promoting and encouraging floral and horticultural features and assisting in raising standards and promoting recycling and environmental conservation.
Follow this link to the section of the Royal Horticultural Society website that explains what Britain in Bloom is all about.
For more information about Yorkshire in Bloom, follow this link.