RUGBY struck gold for a ninth year in a row at the Heart of England in Bloom Awards.
The Mayor of Rugby, Coun Sally Bragg, collected the gold award in the small city category during a ceremony at Walsall’s Aldridge Parish Church Hall last Thursday (September 15).
The borough’s entry for this year’s contest promoted the theme of ‘Enjoy Rugby’ and also celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday, and Rugby Borough Council’s edible borders project.
The judges toured Rugby in July and were impressed by the number and diversity of community organisations which backed the borough’s entry, and the support of schools and businesses in the town.
Judges also praised the council’s work with Newbold-on-Avon Community Partnership to create the Green Flag Award-winning Centenary Park, and the on-going partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust at Ashlawn Cutting Nature Reserve.
Other highlights noted by the judges included the council’s conservation work, particularly with bees and hedgehogs, and the wide range of public art in the town.
Judges Joe Hayden and Graham Redfern said this year’s entry lived up to the Enjoy Rugby theme.
“Rugby has built on the legacy of last year’s Rugby World Cup and continues to celebrate its official Home of the Game status,” they said. “The Bloom entry also incorporates the Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations with imaginative features and displays.
“A very well deserved Gold once again,” they concluded.
Coun Lisa Parker, Rugby Borough Council’s environment spokeswoman, said she was delighted this year’s entry had secured the contest’s highest accolade.
“Our success in the In Bloom contest relies on the support of the whole community and I’m delighted the judges noted both the number and diversity of the organisations which played a part in our entry,” Coun Parker added.
“Working together, we make Rugby a brighter, better place to live and I’m proud all of the hard work has been honoured with a gold award for a ninth year in a row.”
Rugby represents the Heart of England at next month’s national Britain in Bloom Awards, which take place at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium on October 14.
The borough secured a place in the national final after winning overall gold at the 2015 Heart of England in Bloom Awards.
