LAUNCESTON in Bloom were awarded a Silver certificate for their entry into the South West in Bloom competition, it was reported at the Launceston in Bloom Association's Annual General Meeting recently.

The Launceston in Bloom Association currently has over 180 members. The criteria to become a member is to contribute something to the association each year, whether it be a business providing a floral basket, sponsoring a flowerbed, or providing other contributions, financial or otherwise, or as an individual by contributing voluntary hours, everyone is welcome.

The chairman, Margaret Wills reported: "Many of the town's businesses once again contributed generously towards the floral displays, by the provision of the large amounts of baskets and tubs, which are increasing each year, and provide a wonderful display for the summer months.

"There were over 350 floral displays of baskets and tubs throughout the town in the summer. Many members of the public also contribute, with very colourful flowerbeds, tubs and beautiful gardens."

Thanks were expressed to all those who either sponsored flowerbeds or contributed to the association. They also thanked all the schools for their participation, encouraging young people to appreciate flowers.

BASKETS

The Chairman continues: "There are many others, too numerous to mention, including all who give their time so generously, putting up the many baskets and planting all the displays. The Launceston WI who sponsor the roundabout at Pennygillam and who continue to weed and maintain it to a high standard.

"Our thanks to Launceston Town Council for the watering of all the town centre floral displays, which is an enormous benefit to the association.

"The generous contributions from all involved demonstrates the importance of community participation and awareness by the association and supports inward investment to the town centre, promoting local economy and tourism. The permanent planters based at Somerfield, Market House Arcade, Race Hill, Southgate Street and the NCDC car park, were planted for summer and winter flowering.

"The village greens at Duke Street and at North Street, St Stephens have looked colourful this spring, thanks to being planted by volunteers and residents.

"Launceston College, the Willow Garden, Market House Arcade and the Westgate Centre all provided colourful floral displays and were awarded with certificates at the presentation event. Well done to all of them for their work. Launceston in Bloom were awarded a silver certificate for their entry into the South West in Bloom competition.

"We were very pleased to receive a large amount of funding from Tesco stores which enabled us to add extra layers of planting to the central display and to provide all the additional plants for there, and for the three new planters.

"The Launceston in Bloom Association took part in the official opening ceremony of the newly refurbished town square, which has drawn various compliments from locals, and from visitors to the town, and has been much photographed.

"Additional funding was raised from stalls at the Victorian Market and the Launceston Agricultural Show, our thanks to all the local traders who generously contributed to these events, and to our volunteers for setting up the stalls and their marvellous sales techniques. A lot of hard work goes into these events to raise much needed funds for the association.

"The avenue of 100 Oak Trees are providing a wonderful display, added to by the spring display of daffodil bulbs, which this year have been exceptionally good. An additional 20,000 Cornish daffodil bulbs were planted at the approach roads to the town, which have provided a wonderful display of spring colour.

"These bulbs were generously donated by Nick Coombes of Intercounty Distribution, who also collected them from the growers, and stored them in his warehouse. Our thanks have been extended to him via an article in the local paper, and we also sincerely thank all our wonderful volunteers who planted all 20,000 bulbs.

"The association intend to plant additional bulbs throughout the whole town each year, thanks to our excellent team of wonderful volunteers.

"Our thanks to Cornwall Council, Coodes Estates and most especially, Launceston College for their ongoing maintenance of the hedgerows on the Link Road, which is essential work to enhance the overall appearance of the Millennium Avenue. Also the town council for the additional grasscutting.

"We are particularly pleased that the importance of the Millennium Avenue as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is appreciated by all sectors of the community. We are also aware of the need to keep this whole area free of unnecessary signs, posters and litter, and appreciate the co-operation and assistance of local companies, members of the public and organised groups.

PLANTER

"We have recently received a small grant from the county council community fund and we are putting it towards providing an additional planter outside the town hall.

"Our sincere thanks to all who have provided sponsorship either directly or in kind, to our fantastic team of volunteers who work tirelessly in all weathers

"Members of Laun­ceston in Bloom put words into action and work together as a team to provide the wonderful floral displays which give so much pleasure to so many people, keeping Launce­ston in Bloom."