The theme that the Royal Horticulture Society has chosen for 2008 is 'Local Roots'.

Prizes will be awarded to the community that best  encourages activities and links between their unique local history and cultural diversity within their community and demonstrates this through Bloom community activities, planting styles and themes.

There is a lengthy process involved which hopefully will climax with the judging in August and our town looking spectacular for the summer.  If all goes well, we will see lots of volunteers enjoying working together on various schemes which will make one community of Kirkby Stephen in Bloom.

On 5th March the Kirkby Stephen in Bloom committee invited the community to the

Methodist Hall with their ideas for this year’s theme.  There has been some excellent suggestions and the committee is putting a plan together.  If you would like to help in anyway whatsoever from planting and watering to helping in any other way, please leave your name and telephone number at the Council and Community Office.

Our Kirkby Stephen in Bloom committee consists of

Moira Gaine

John Johnstone

Vivian Littlefair

Sue Bradley

We shall take this opportunity of thanking them for the hours of hard work that goes into this project.

You may have seen in the press that on 14th March, a ‘Gardeners Question Time’ was held at the Masonic Hall.  This turned out to be a most enjoyable evening of entertainment and raised £500 to buy plants etc.  and, all washed down with a glass of wine and some yummy snacks.

The Tourist Information Centre have kindly donated their window and time to a Kirkby Stephen in Bloom display and some brave souls were out in the snow on Easter Saturday on a market stall enlisting volunteers.  What dedication.

As you will realise from the above criteria and last years entry, this is not just about planting out a few tubs in the Market Square but a whole community effort involving various schemes throughout the year in the town.  In 2007,we saw young people with their own ideas planting wild flowers, bulbs and trees. The judges had a special mention for the efforts of the Brownies.

The spectacular planting at the station and displays at  the Old Forge, Holistic Centre, Church Gallery, Masonic Garden, Remembrance Cross and gardens were all highly commended.  Remember the cart of flowers at the co-op, quite a few volunteers were involved here including the gentlemen of the Fire Brigade.  This years entries would appear to be even more demanding.

We will try and keep you posted with what’s happening around the town and look forward to seeing some of you on your knees planting out or picking up litter in the months to come.