A delegation from Rugby in Bloom travelled to Rochdale Town Hall for the Britain in Bloom Awards on Tuesday 20 October. Rugby was shortlisted in the 'small city and city' category, ultimately receiving a silver gilt award. Judges commended the "excellent work" across the borough's parks, schools, and open spaces. While Wrexham secured gold in this category, Rugby's achievement was highlighted.
Following this, a delegation attended the Heart of England in Bloom Awards at Malvern's Three Counties Showground on Thursday 22 October. Rugby once again won gold in the small city category, marking the 17th consecutive year the town has achieved this accolade. This success secured Rugby's place at this year's Britain in Bloom Awards.
Further recognition came from the Heart of England in Bloom, which presented a judges' discretionary award for horticultural excellence to the grounds team at Rugby School, an integral part of the Rugby in Bloom initiative. The Britain in Bloom competition, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, aims to foster environmental improvement through horticulture.
Rugby in Bloom really brings the best out of the borough every year and just to reach the finals of Britain in Bloom shows how Rugby punches above its weight when it comes to the quality of our parks and green spaces. Our silver gilt award at Britain in Bloom followed by another gold at the Heart of England in Bloom Awards rewards the hard work and dedication across our communities, from the conservation volunteers, schools and community organisations to the businesses and sponsors who support our entry every year.
Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, expressed pride in the borough's achievements. Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, and Deputy Mayor of Rugby, also attended the Heart of England in Bloom Awards. He noted the praise received by various Rugby organisations, including Rugby Eco Hub growers and Rugby School, stating that "all participants were winners in the competition."
For more information on parks and green spaces in the borough, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/ourparks.
