A wonderful achievement and thanks were due to the organisers, Joan Johnstone, Moira Gaine, Vivienne Littlefair and Sue Bradley, the Kirkby Stephen Town Forum and everyone who helped – right down to the Brownies and grammar school pupils singled out for special mention by the judges at Coventry on 26th September. 

The spectacular planting at the Settle to Carlisle station was highlighted by the judge Susan Smith who said: “The bright, colourful displays at the railway station provided by the custodians [Sid and Barbara Jordan] are seen and admired by all those who travel on the Settle-Carlisle line.” Well done you two, magnificent as usual.

The “good community involvement” was praised and I must admit that it has taken everyone who had even the smallest job to make this happen. We have already been asked to represent Cumbria again next year in the 2008 RHS Britain in Bloom, some of you will already be making plans.

Can we do it again even better? Will you have some time to help? Please leave your details at the Council and Community Centre.

The town was also joint first with Dalston in the Cumbria in Bloom large village category, which was announced earlier in the year.

Once the town centre enhancement has been completed we should have a headstart in making Kirkby Stephen more attractive, a foil for new floral displays. The work that has been done so far has already made a considerable difference.