The winter months are a time for tidying flower beds and the allotment, as well as clearing away rubbish. This year, apart from occasional windy or torrential rainy days, the weather has been mild, leading to early growth. The daffodils in the churchyard have already started to emerge, promising what could be the best display yet.
On Thursday 18th January, the awards night took place at the Cricket Club, Forest Corner. The evening celebrated achievements and expressed gratitude to the community and volunteers for their outstanding efforts over the past year. The event was well attended, with a great atmosphere, and guests remarked on how enjoyable the evening was. A key highlight was Edwinstowe in Bloom’s progression from an East Midlands in Bloom Silver Award to a Silver Gilt Award, alongside the prestigious trophy for ‘Most Improved’ entry across the entire East Midlands.
Following impressive feedback from the judges, Fables Coffee House and RSPB Sherwood Forest both received glowing reports and Gold Awards in the Pub / Restaurant and Retail categories. Judges were also highly impressed by Mel and Dave Jones’ front garden entry, which achieved Silver Gilt status. Margaret Share and Valerie Hart received a Judges’ Award for their work at St Mary’s Churchyard, where they developed projects with young people, including a wildflower area, a bug hotel, and a hedgehog house in the children’s graveyard area. Awards were also presented to the winners of Edwinstowe in Bloom’s local scarecrow, front garden, and photography competitions.
The evening was also an opportunity to thank all Edwinstowe in Bloom volunteers and show appreciation to local partners, including Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club, Edwinstowe Litter Picking Patrol, Edwinstowe Parish Council, Edwinstowe Rainbows and Brownies, Edwinstowe Community Food Hub, and Eakring Scythers.
On Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th February, Edwinstowe in Bloom, in partnership with ATTFE, held two sessions linked to the Heart Trail. The first was a ‘Craft and Create’ session, where participants could be creative in a fun and relaxed environment. The second was a ‘Hearty and Healthy’ session, encouraging people to show their love for Edwinstowe by creating hearts and walking the Edwinstowe in Bloom Heart Trail.
From Saturday 15th February until Sunday 23rd February, the fourth Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest Heart Trail took place. It was a great success, thanks to those who sent in hearts, helped organise the trail, and set up the clues. Participants commented on how enjoyable it was as a way to explore the village.
The winning photograph for January’s photography competition was View from the Top of Thoresby Vale Country Park by Jenny O’Carroll. Entries are now open for the March competition, welcoming photographs of anything of interest taken in the Edwinstowe area.
Subjects do not have to be flowers or landscapes – entries can include events, animals, or anything that evokes Edwinstowe. The competition is open to amateur photographers aged 16 and over. Entries should be submitted in JPG format, along with a title and location, to the email address below.
For further information, email eib@btinternet.com or search Edwinstowe in Bloom on Facebook.