I was invited by the Spalding in Bloom Committee to attend the In Bloom judging on July 14.
My first duty was to say a few words and thanked Couns Newton and Lawton for their contribution, the district council officers for shaping, cutting and weeding the flower beds and the army of volunteers for all the hours they have done to make Spalding look so wonderful.
Before I talk about the day itself, could I first of all mention how wonderful Spalding looks.
I drive from Pinchbeck to Spalding daily and have noticed Spalding is spick and span, the trees look splendid, the verges are weed free, the grassed areas are tidy, the hanging baskets and floral displays are magnificent. The river banks are cut and shaped and the river seems to shine.
Spalding won gold last year which has set a precedent and I believe we have an excellent chance of winning again this year.
The tour of Spalding started and some of the places visited were Ayscoughfee Gardens, Springfields, Spalding Cemetery, Southfield House Retirement Home, Horseshoe Road allotments, the Punchbowl and the area around the railway station.
We went to 34 Park Road, the home of Clare Wilson, whose front garden is Spalding in Bloom’s entry for the “Frank Constable Best Front Garden” competition.
Well done Clare, your garden is a delight.
I hope this event continues to blossom for many years to come and I have my fingers crossed that Spalding in Bloom will win gold again in September when the judge’s verdict is announced.
Rodney Grocock
Vice Chairman
South Holland District Council
