Market Harborough in Bloom volunteers have celebrated another successful year of gardening projects and accolades.
Market Harborough in Bloom volunteers have been working since 1996 to make the town of Market Harborough a more attractive and vibrant place for residents and visitors.
2022 saw the group receive its 11th consecutive gold award in the annual East Midlands in Bloom competition, as well as beating nine other entries to be crowned the winners of the ‘Large Town’ category. The group have since gone on to win Gold in the ‘Large Town’ category of the 2023 Britain in Bloom National Awards.
The volunteer group work closely with East Midlands Railway and have received financial support from Community Rail Network’s Small Grants Fund to bring some of their platform projects to life.
Peter Eddie, a member of Market Harborough in Bloom volunteers, said: “Our work at the railway station provides many benefits to the town. It creates an attractive, cared-for, and welcoming environment, connecting the station to the local community.
“2018 saw the beginning of major station and track engineering work, which meant that we had to clear all our planters for the station. 2023 was our first full year back at the station with new projects and a new look, including our wagon planters, wildflower garden and renovated Victorian platform trollies.
“We’re already starting to think about what we can do for next year’s entry – and our ambition to be Overall Winner!”
In the 2022 East Midlands in Bloom Entrants Report, judges Richard Stephen, Liz Fairfield and Nicholas Litherland said: “Market Harborough Station itself is a masterclass in brightening a difficult area. The large railing troughs are richly planted with colourful Begonias, Petunias, and trailing plants.
“All credit to great partnership working, patience, and the ingenuity of the Market Harborough in Bloom team and station adopters that have transformed this site.”
In the 2023 Britain in Bloom feedback, judges Rae Beckwith and Roger Burnett said: “The support and help from East Midlands Railway has been a great partnership, with the Station Adopters making this transport terminus a welcoming first impression to the town.
“Their strong profile and identity, together with ambitious but realistic plans, gives reassurance that they have an eye for the future. A very credible entry, worthy of a well-earned gold medal.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects, and events from Market Harborough in Bloom via their website and Facebook page.
