Date: 30 March 2006
Originally published in: The Comet (UK)
Written by:
Pop star turned celebrity gardener Kim Wilde got her hands dirty yesterday (Wednesday) when she launched Stevenage’s Britain in Bloom bid. Kim met with adults with learning difficulties from North Hertfordshire College and children from Nobel School and helped them with their project to transform the rundown area surrounding the Fairlands Valley Farmhouse by planting apple trees, roses and much more.
Kim said it was important to her to back Stevenage’s campaign to win Best Small City in the Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition. She said: “I think it is fantastic. This campaign is inspiring young people to get into gardening. They are the next generation of caretakers of green space and it is very important for them to get involved. It is also great to see them enjoying gardening, it shows them they can make a real difference to the world around them.”
Stevenage will be battling it out for the title of Best Small City against Bangor, Bath, Halifax, Oadby and Wigston and Shrewsbury.
Mayor Brian Underwood unveiled a Britain in Bloom banner at the front of Daneshill House yesterday (Wednesday) lunchtime and said: “The competition is very tough but I am sure Stevenage will put up a good fight. It has already raised the profile of Stevenage and that has to be a good thing.”
As well as flower displays Britain in Bloom judges will be looking for good examples of recycling, conservation and cleanliness.
Stevenage Borough Council is co-ordinating the town’s entry but is working with groups and organisations throughout the county.
