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Oswestry in Bloom win ‘Gold’ and ‘Best Large Town’
Oswestry is celebrating after winning another Gold in the annual Heart of England in Bloom competition, scooping a special award for Best Large Town, as well as being selected to represent the region in the national Britain in Bloom finals in 2025.
The results were announced at an awards ceremony at the Manor Hotel in Meriden last week (20 September).
Judges visited Oswestry on 10 July to assess the town’s floral displays against criteria with the environment, community engagement and horticulture at its core.
The three-hour visit was a whistle-stop tour of many of the town’s fabulous floral displays including Castle Mound, the community herb and sweet pea planters on Horsemarket, town centre hanging baskets and planters, Church Street wall display, Broadwalk wildflower planting by Oswestry School, Cambrian Railway Orchard Project, and award-winning Cae Glas Park.There were also stop-offs at Oswestry Climate Change Hub, Llwyd Mansion, the Memorial Hall, OsNosh and Derwen College to hear how the community gets involved and learn about other environmental and conservation projects happening.
The Mayor of Oswestry cllr Mike Isherwood was delighted with news of another win and very proud. “This is Oswestry’s 19th Gold and the third year in a row that we have been crowned winner in the Heart of England’s large town category.
“Creating displays this good is a labour of love and I take my hat off to everyone involved. Our small parks team does an amazing job, but teamwork is the secret to this level of success. Hugest thanks to the brilliant Oswestry in Bloom committee, its team of wonderful volunteers and to our community partners for keeping our town blooming.”
Natalie Bainbridge, chair of Oswestry in Bloom committee, was equally happy and proud of everyone’s efforts. She said: “The volunteers were very pleased and I’m very proud of them. It has become a great community event.
“Whether we’re planting, deadheading, or just weeding a flowerbed, we’re working together, outdoors, in the wonderful company of like-minded people, for the good of the whole town. It’s so rewarding to receive lovely positive comments from local people as well as visitors to Oswestry.”
Following on from being best large town category winners, Oswestry in Bloom is now looking forward to further success in the national finals next year.
