Thursday 3 May, 2007
Local school children will help launch Guildford in Bloom 2007 and mark the opening of the Castle Grounds pond with a Victorian flower garland procession on Thursday 10 May.
Pupils from Sandfield Primary and St Nicolas C of E Infants schools will take part in the event, which will start from the Guildhall at 12.15pm. The procession will make its way up and down the High Street, with visits to White Lion Walk and Tunsgate shopping centre. This will be followed by a maypole dance performance at Castle Green and the official pond opening by the Mayor of Guildford at 1pm. The chairman of Guildford in Bloom will also formally launch this year's competition.
Chris Bruce, Head of Parks and Countryside Services, says: "We are very excited to have reinstated part of the original Victorian pond design by Henry Peek. This event will celebrate the establishment of the Castle Grounds in 1888 and also launch this year's Guildford in Bloom. It demonstrates, by the enthusiasm of all those involved, that gardening and horticulture is still alive and thriving after 119 years."
The Guildford in Bloom competition, which is sponsored by Burns and Webber estate agents, is open to anyone who is proud of their garden and helps to promote a green and beautiful borough. Winners are rewarded with certificates and garden vouchers. There are also opportunities for sponsors to participate, with 'supporters of Guildford in Bloom' and hanging basket packages available.
A new addition this year is the Guildford in Bloom garden photographic competition. Residents are invited to send in their photos of hanging baskets, allotments, wildlife gardens or school gardens for a chance to win a £20 garden voucher, or £10 runner-up voucher. The closing date for entries is Friday 31 August.
For more information on the Victorian flower garland procession, Guildford in Bloom competition, sponsorship opportunities or the photo competition, call Sally Crundwell on 01483 444715 or email parks@guildford.gov.uk
This initiative is part of Guildford Borough Council's commitment to improving residents’ local surroundings, by focusing on issues that matter most to them such as a cleaner, safer and greener environment.