Henley in Bloom First Competition Judges Take Tour of the Town

The first of the three competitions Henley in Bloom is entering this year was judged yesterday.  Three judges from the Britain in Bloom Regional Committee; Peter Thompson, Anne Kempson and trainee judge Peter Almond were taken on the tour of the town.

The tour started with a presentation at the Bull on Bell Street where the specially brewed Brakspear Blooming Marvellous beer is made.  The presentation highlighted the year round projects including the Hit Litter, plant sale and swap and future projects including ‘Greener Streets – Better Lives’ project for the Kings Road Car Park.

The tour took in Thameside where the trial of Silver Birch trees in pots have been positioned to help with air pollution, a river trip on a Hobbs of Henley boat along the Regatta course, a visit to Badgemore School, meeting the Gardening Buddies at the Mill Meadows flower beds, around Gainsborough Estate, to the Fairmile Vineyard before returning to town to have lunch at the Little Angel pub.

Councillor Kellie Hinton who hosted the tour with Gareth Bartle, the Parks Manager said, “We were a bit more nervous this year as we are entering three competitions which has added to the volume of work.  We think though we did a great showcase of Henley at its best.  The judges seemed to have a lovely time, there were lots of smiles but as always didn’t give us much feedback.”

The next judging taking place is on Sunday (19 July) for the Entente Europe competition Henley in Bloom is entering for the first time.  Ten judges from around Europe will be flying in on Saturday and will be staying at the Henley Business School.  They will be visiting the Trad Boat Festival at Fawley Meadows had enjoying a meal at the pop up Luscombes Golden Ball restaurant.