Wymondham was bursting with colour as it welcomed back the Anglia In Bloom judges recently after a three-year hiatus.

With town councillor Kim Carsok leading the Wymondham in Bloom organising committee’s efforts, volunteers and community groups have spent many hours growing and tending plants, planting up town council planters and working on ‘green’ projects around the town.

Judging the town's entry, judges Chris Durham and Paul Robson said that “Wymondham’s strong community spirit always shines through” and they were impressed by the “creativity of the planters and hanging baskets some of the businesses had created”.

The whistlestop tour of Wymondham saw the judges visit Browick Road Primary School’s Gardening Club allotments where they were very impressed by the children’s enthusiasm and achievements. They were also shown the new Community Orchard at Browick Recreation Ground, created entirely by volunteers, led by Peter Knights of the Greening Wymondham environment group. Peter was supported by Cllr Annette James, a regular orchard volunteer and vice-chair of the Town Council working group exploring options for a major revamp of the park.

After visiting the station area with a stop at the Old Sale Yard ‘Blooming Fence’ and a stroll through Toll's Meadow, a walk through the town centre saw the judges admire the hanging baskets and Jubilee themed planters. Then it was down to the Abbey, Becketswell and the Mid Norfolk Railway’s pretty station garden. A final stop was made at the White Hart to see the town’s new vegepod where residents can help themselves to herbs and veg before having lunch at the pub.

2019 saw the town win three awards, including Best New Entry, and an overall Silver Gilt in the large town category – the second-highest level of recognition possible. This year Kim and her committee colleagues Annette James, Paula Gorst, Diana Grant and Janet Benjafield hope to impress again and are going for Gold.

Results for Anglia in Bloom will not be revealed until September. Kim said: “The town looked amazing. We are lucky to have such enthusiastic support from businesses, community groups, volunteers and the Town Council. We hope for positive results.”

The local business floral display competition results will be announced on 13th August at the Town Green Charity Fundraiser event. Follow Wymondham Town Team on Facebook for more information.

If you would like to help the Wymondham in Bloom team prepare for the 2023 competition please get in touch via email: wymbloom@gmail.com