Green-fingered gardeners in Erewash are dusting down their pots, shaping up their borders and sharpening their shears . . . for the annual flower power bonanza is on its way!
Erewash Borough Council launches its ever-popular Erewash in Bloom competition this month, the annual gardening contest that always proves blooming fantastic for residents of all ages and abilities – as well as attracting entries from pubs, schools, local companies and even whole streets in the borough.
The competition is part of the Council’s high-profile Pride in Erewash campaign and features a wide range of categories as gardening fans all compete to be crowned an Erewash in Bloom champion.
The 2010 Bloom festival will be officially launched at colourful information stands in both Long Eaton and Ilkeston town centres, giving everyone a chance to find out more about all the categories and pick up entry forms. The details are:
- Wednesday 26th May – Long Eaton Market Place, 10am-2pm
- Thursday 27th May – Bath Street Ilkeston (outside McDonalds), 10am-2pm
The Council has also announced this week that the new sponsor for the 2010 competition is the Erewash Valley Branch of the Oddfellows Friendly Society, the not-for-profit organisation which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The Society has more than 100,000 members across Great Britain and over 700 in the local area. The local Branch provides a number of social activities each month including lunches, coffee mornings and day trips for its members.
Last year saw gardeners galore make it a record-breaking Erewash in Bloom competition and now the Council wants 2010 to be bigger and brighter than ever.
Councillor Barbara Harrison, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for the Environment, says:
“Erewash in Bloom is for the whole community, both young and old, so I would encourage everyone to go along to our launch events and find out more.
“It is a fabulous competition that seems to set higher standards every year and I look forward to seeing more wonderful and imaginative floral displays in gardens across our borough. But this is also very much a community event and I know that schoolchildren and families will also have lots of fun.
“Pride in Erewash is all about helping make the borough a brighter and more attractive place for us all, so this competition is a perfect platform for all those keen gardeners who continually show their Pride in Erewash.
“I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking the Oddfellows for sponsoring this year’s Erewash in Bloom and wishing them a successful bicentenary year.”
Notes :
- The Oddfellows is a not-for-profit friendly society providing social activities, care and advice for its members and is one of the largest branch-based organisations in the country. Many people join to expand their social networks and take part in a range of social activities, including quiz, games and musical nights; day trips, dances and meals out. Members also raise money for various charities.
- Throughout 2010, The Oddfellows Society will celebrate its 200 year anniversary – with Branches around the country holding their own celebratory events, including dinner dances, exhibitions, river cruises, concerts, church services and garden parties.
- The Oddfellows also provide a dedicated Citizen’s Advice Bureau phone line; care information; and financial welfare support such as help with legal aid and funeral costs.
- For further information visit www.oddfellows.co.uk
