In July, two judges from the prestigious Heart of England in Bloom competition were guests of honour on a tour round the Rugby area, and were on hand to witness the Olympic Torch Relay and the launch of the Rugby Festival of Culture.
The judges were shown round a host of Rugby beauty spots. And now, at a ceremony in Birmingham, representatives from Rugby Borough Council, including the Mayor, Cllr Kathryn Lawrence, were on hand to receive the award - the highest available in the competition. On the day, the judging duo were taken on a tour of Rugby, including Caldecott Park, Regent Place and Rugby School, where they were given a tour of the historic grounds.
The group then went on to see a BMX track under construction at Butler's Leap, before heading to Warwickshire College where students served lunch. The judges were particularly impressed by the carpet bedding in Caldecott Park and also remarked on the floral Olympic rings at Rugby School.
Cllr Dr Mark Williams, portfolio holder for the sustainable environment, said:
"Rugby Borough Council has a long tradition of producing wonderful floral displays every year for the pleasure of residents and visitors alike, so it is really encouraging to see that yet again our efforts have been honoured with the highest award possible from the Heart of England in Bloom judges.
"I'd like to thank the parks and open spaces team for their hard work and dedication, and also the companies and businesses through out the borough for their sponsorship as without their help much of the wonderful work could not be done.
"The Bloom competition is about much more than hanging baskets and floral confetti, it is about how our communities get involved and make the whole borough a better and brighter place. It is about celebrating the pride that our communities have in the places that they live and work."
For further information please contact: Matthew Deaves, on (01788) 533562 or out of hours on 07766 423006, or email matthew.deaves@rugby.gov.uk.
