Entente Florale

From the Judges notes:

"Aware of its location in the landscape of the Yorkshire dales, Darley has successfully pursued a policy of sensitive and thoughtful enhancement of houses and gardens. The jury had no hesitation in awarding a GOLD MEDAL."

Darley represented Britain in the village category of the 2004 Entente Florale, the European wide 'in Bloom' competition.

Judi Smith prepared a Portfolio for Entente Florale 2004 that gave a comprehensive view of the work of Darley in Bloom.

The following villages represented their countries:

Judging

The date for the visit of the Entente Florale Judges was Thursday, July 22nd.. A judge from each of the eleven participating countries visited Darley in the afternoon for a judging period of four hours.

The judges met representatives of the committee at Darley Primary School shortly after noon. After lunch, there was a presentation involving pupils, before the party drove to Stumps Lane at 2.20, before moving on to Pottersfield, Daleside at 2.30. The focus was then on Fringill Beck, where major regenerative work has created a wildlife haven.
The judges arrived at the Post Office by 3.10, before visiting Brimham Guest House, then theymove on to the Memorial Hall, before driving to the Old Vicarage for a break.
The judges were shown around the church and saw the Brownie's flower bed, before driving to Darley Mill, taking in the Claremont planting en route.
There was a brief visit to Housemans, before the judges were transported back through the village to Low Green for a walk to the sports field and down to Graylings, where they had tea. They were then chaufer driven in David Dickinson's vinatge cars to the Wellington Inn for dinner.

Judi Smith said,

"On behalf of Darley in Bloom, would like to thank everyone who helped with the preparations for the Entente Floralejudging. The village really sparkled and looked at its best, and whatever the judges' decision may be, Darley in Bloom feels we could not have done more - it was a magnificent community effort."

The Award Ceremony

Judi Smith and Judy Barker, from Darley Parish Council travelled to Aix-les-Bains in France for the award ceremony on September 10th.

Judi Smith said,

"Aix-les-Bains had pulled out all the stops and we were given an extremely warm welcome. It is very much a spa town and in its heyday people from Paris would travel there for summer breaks. There was entertainment from different European countries with alpine horns blowing and fantastic costumes and we were among the creme de la creme of each country......Everyone was supporting us all around the dale and that's why it's so wonderful to have brought back gold"