Boston in Bloom welcomes EMIB judge for twelfth year

Yesterday, Boston welcomed East Midlands in Bloom (EMIB) judges to witness firsthand how the town continues to bloom and thrive through community effort.

Judge Liz Fairfield, accompanied by Malcolm Fisher, toured the town yesterday (Monday, July 8) to observe the hard work and many hours of dedication put in by volunteers year-round to enhance the town for residents, businesses, and visitors.

They were guided by Alison Fairman, Chair of Boston in Bloom, who showcased the array of work volunteers have achieved since last year’s entry, as well as ongoing and future projects, meeting some elected members on their route.

Boston has been awarded Gold status for the past eight years, and volunteers are hopeful to maintain this standard following this year's team effort.

The tour began at Willoughby Road Allotments before moving onto town centre projects. The town centre tour started at Central Park, featuring the Art Deco Garden perennial planting, buoy garden, and boat planter. From there, they moved to the Memorial Gardens, then to the south side of town to visit Strait Bargate, Boots planters, and Custom House Quay. The tour continued to Fydell House and Bedesman’s Lane, walking across to Haven Meadow, an area regularly worked on by volunteers with seeds donated by a local wildflower producer.

Next stops included Pilgrims Patch and the Fisherman’s Memorial. The tour concluded at Boston Stump, where an area close by was discussed which is supported by the local council and police to tackle ‘hot spot’ areas and encourage positive public perception.

Lunch was served at Blenkin Memorial Hall, a 17th-century historic building recently restored with funding from the Boston Town Deal.

The Deputy Mayor of Boston, Councillor Suzanne Welberry met the judges at Blenkin Memorial Hall to thank them for visiting Boston and to thank all of the dedicated volunteers and workers who put a tireless number of hours in each week to help keep Boston bright and blooming.

Judge, Liz Fairfield said: "This is my first visit to Boston as a judge. I have been blown away by the number of volunteers here who work week in and week out, in all weathers, all year round. It is remarkable.

"The arch at Willoughby Road allotments was stunning, and the architecture is just splendid. I was really interested in hearing about the partnership work the council is doing with the local police to tackle issues in the area too."

"The variety of planting we have seen, and the colours are phenomenal. The adapted planting methods, focusing more on perennials and wildflowers, are more sustainable, long-term, and cost saving. It is great to see."

Alison Fairman, Chairman of Boston in Bloom, expressed her pleasure at welcoming Royal Horticultural Society judges back to Boston. She said, "Our volunteers consistently put in tremendous effort across central Boston to enhance the town’s cleanliness and greenery.

"We are hopeful for another gold win and eagerly anticipate the results in September."

Alison also thanked the sponsors who without them some of the projects would have been impossible.

Cllr Dale Broughton, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Town Centre, sent thanks by adding: "I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and organisations for their countless hours of hard work dedicated to our town. Your efforts bring joy to many and make Boston a more delightful place to live and visit. Thank you to everyone involved.”

At the end of the tour Liz was asked to present this year's Robert Lauberts Environment and Community Award for 2024 to Steve Slater, Founder of the Wyberton Wombles of Boston Common, Steve was unable to attend so Kathy Dawes was asked to accept it on his behalf. Jenny Harvey, Robin Skinner and Robert Pepperdine were also presented with highly commended certificates for their contribution to the natural environment of Boston.

The East Midlands in Bloom Awards Ceremony will take place in Melton Mowbray on 24 September 2024.