Garstang to make European floral glory bid

7:50am Saturday 2nd August 2008

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Garstang will be making a bid for European floral glory next Wednesday when it plays host to the international judging panel in the pretigious Entente Florale competition.

The Lancashire village will be one of the two official UK entries into the compeition, both nominated by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Garstang will be the only British village competing for honours in the competition whilst Plymouth will be the only British city taking part.

Garstang's entry in the competition comes after being made Gold Medal winners at the National finals of the Britain in Bloom competition in 2006 and 2007.

It's involvement in those contests and this year's Entente Florale event has been fully supported by Wyre Borough Council, with its Park and Open Spaces team playing a key role in Garstang's preparations for next week's visit.

International members of the Entente Florale jury will be treated to a VIP tour of key locations during their one day visit to the village next Wednesday.

These will include the award winning Milliennium Green, Lancaster Canal, Dewlay Cheese and local schools.

Other events planned during the day include a special clog dancing display for the judges outside Garstang Arts Centre, maypole dancing outside Th'Owd Tithebarn pub and performances by street musicians in the town centre.

The judges will also spend part of their visit travelling along Lancaster Canal with special boat handlers appearing in traditional costume.

Aside from judging the quality of local flora and vegegation, the 12 strong jury will also be assessing the quality of the local environment and the impact of tourism in the village.

The judging panel will include representatives from across Europe including judges from Austria, Germany, the Uk, Italy, France, Hungary and the Czech Republic amongst other countries.

To mark the arrival of the judges in Garstang, the chair of the Entente Floral Jury Monika Hetsch from Austria will be presented with a special bouquet at Th'Owd Tithebarn pub by pupils from St Mary's and St Michael's and St Thomas' schools in Garstang.

Wyre Brough Council's Director of Leisure Services Tom Pridmore said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Garstang and we feel confident that it will be able to put on a truly spectacular visit for the judges next week.

"Our staff have been working very hard to support the efforts of the In Bloom team and it is a very proud achievement for everyone to be representing the UK in this way."

Norah Hoyles, Chair of the Garstang In Bloom and Entente Florale Steering Group, said: "We are very pleased to have come this far and are looking forward to the visit of the jury with great anticipation.

"Around 2,5000 manhours have been put into preparations for this competition, some of this from the voluntary sector and the help from Wyre Borough Council has been invaluable.

"A lot of people have worked extremely hard to get us to this point and we believe the judges will be impressed by what Garstang has to offer when they arrive next Wednesday."

Mike Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, added: “Visitors always appreciate good floral displays.

"They are a great draw. Last autumn the people of Garstang helped us create the world’s biggest Lancashire Hotpot for Lancashire’s food and drink year in 2008 and we sincerely hope they can blossom again, this time on the international stage.”