Thornbury has been judged as part of the Royal Horticultural Society's South West In Bloom competition.
The Thornbury In Bloom team came together to ensure the town was looking its best, following a difficult 2020.
There was no national competition last year, the Thornbury group did not have a chairperson and had ongoing difficulties as a result of dwindling finances.
But at a virtual meeting in January new members were co-opted, with Briony Elsbury elected chairperson.
“Having chaired various committees over the years and worked part-time in Thornbury Garden Shop for 18 months, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to help out," she said.
"I’d seen what a difference the Thornbury In Bloom volunteers and supporters make – such lovely people with so much wisdom and experience.
"Hopefully we can soon enlist even more of the public, to also enjoy doing what we do.”
Funds were raised through sponsorship, grants, donations, bequests and the annual bring and buy plant sale outside the town hall. Volunteers then worked around the clock to ensure the high standards set in recent years did not slip.
Two separate Southwest In Bloom RHS judges visited Thornbury over the last fortnight in order to assess how all members of the town are managing the local environment.
This culminated in a cream tea reception outside The Swan, where guests were joined and addressed by mayor of Thornbury Jayne Stansfield.
Thornbury In Bloom are currently looking to recruit new members.
"Some members of the Thornbury In Bloom workforce aren’t as young as they used to be," said Briony.
"They have served the town faithfully for years to make it one of the most beautiful places to live in Britain, but have expressed a desire to wind down, or even step down.
"Even if you are only able to do a little, then your assistance is still most welcome. There’s physical work for those that are happy to wield a strimmer, spade or watering can; there can be lighter duties for those that wish to weed, tidy or dead-head; there are even home-based tasks such as fundraising and organising – which are just as important as hands-on help.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact Briony on theonlybubble@gmail.com or through the Thornbury In Bloom Facebook page.
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