Fenland alive with the wow factor as it triumphs in Anglia in Bloom competition

Anglia in Bloom: Pond project at Parson Drove (Image: Archant)

And there was an extra award too when Ormond Connelly of Chatteris received the special Roy Lacey Award given to the person or persons who have given a great deal of time and energy to promoting the aims and ambitions of the In Bloom..

Anglia in Bloom: Norwood Road nature reserve, winter scene and award winner (Image: Archant)

Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, described it as a “truly magnificent set of results.” In Wisbech there was double delight as the town was both winner and gold award recipient in the large towns category, beating competition that included Bury St Edmunds, King’s Lynn and neighbours March, who took a consolation silver gilt award.

Anglia in Bloom: judges visit to Benwick (Image: Archant)

Wisbech was overall winner and the gold standard bearer for parks of under 10 acres, the colourful displays at St Peter’s Church capturing their imagination. St Peter and Paul’s Church gardens in Chatteris won silver for their displays whilst Strawbear Park earned Whittlesey bronze. Fenland took three of the four winners in this section.

Anglia in Bloom: Judges look at floral displays at Sir Harry Smith Community College (Image: Archant)

But March triumphed in its own right with top honours for the Norwood Nature Reserve in the best conservation category.

Parson Drove won silver gilt in the large village section, Chatteris took silver gilt in towns with a population of between 6,001-12,000 and Whittlesey won silver in the same category.,

Waterlees estate in Wisbech took silver gilt in the urban community category, whilst Wisbech Park took a silver award in the large parks (over 10 acres) group in which West End Park, March, took silver. And the celebrations extended to Benwick near March which celebrated a silver award in the small village category.

Cllr Murphy said: “This is a truly magnificent set of results - the best we’ve ever had. To have picked up so many awards is a fantastic achievement for Fenland and a well deserved reward for all the individuals and groups who have played their part.

“That includes our own staff at FDC and our grounds maintenance contractors as well as the countless volunteers from Street Pride, the Friends groups and others.”

Cllr Murphy paid tribute to Mr Connelly, a Chatteris man who received the special Roy Lacey Award. He said: “It was terrific to see Ormond get this award. He has been a member of Chatteris in Bloom for years, getting up at four or five in the morning to do all the watering of displays in the town. He takes the water from his own well.

“He had surgery for a brain tumour this year but made it to the awards today and got a tremendous ovation. I’m absolutely delighted for him.”

MORE FROM YESTERDAY’S AWARD CEREMONIES TO COME