Cranbrook in Bloom
Dedicated to a colourful Cranbrook
Our roots
Cranbrook`s first entry into the South East in Bloom competition was in 1994. Cranbrook Business Association with the aid of Cranbrook Parish Council began with hanging baskets, window boxes and troughs.
In 2002 Cranbrook In Bloom became a formal Association.
-
To promote community spirit, social inclusion, and improved opportunities for everyone to fully engage in enhancing Cranbrook Town Centre and various green areas around Cranbrook with planting and maintaining of flowers and shrubs, thus improving the cultural life of the community with the object of improving the quality of life for people who live and work in Cranbrook and surrounding areas.
-
Since then we have proven our dedication by working with many groups, clubs, schools, societies and churches within Cranbrook.
-
We now have over 50 troughs in and around the Town, including outside the Clinic, Jockey Lane Car Park, Dental Surgery, Tanyard Car Park, Pinch Points at the entrance to Regal Car Park and outside the Weald Information Centre.
The troughs are re-planted twice a year, in May with summer bedding and in October with winter plants. We take care in choosing the plant type and aim to keep a theme and colour scheme within the Town.
Over the years our entry into the South & South East in Bloom competition has produced some very commendable results. Rising up the ranks from Bronze, to Silver, to Mid-Silver Gilt, to High Silver Gilt and Gold.
We have also achieved 1st in the Small Town Category several times, for which we are very proud.
We have several fundraising events each year, including plant sales, raffle, craft fair and garden safari.
The voluntary work and generosity of residents, visitors and businesses in and around Cranbrook helps us in the challenge to sustain, improve and develop new projects in the Town.
We are also very grateful for financial contributions over the years, from Cranbrook Business Association (Millenium Outings), Cranbrook Parish Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council, Kent High Weald Partnership, and Travis Perkins.
South & South East In Bloom Competition
The entry into this competition is without a doubt a challenge.
In the Spring several of the `Blooming Brigade` attend a seminar which outlines the requirements and aims for the annual competition. Naturally we aim to achieve the goals set within the guidelines.
Prior to the judging visit, a portfolio of the whole year's activities is submitted for the judges to appreciate and understand the efforts made by Cranbrook. This includes reports on Landscaping, Environmental Issues, Public Awareness, Community Involvement, Floral Displays etc. We also include Press Cuttings, Photographs, Advertising and Promotional Leaflets.
Two S.& S.East in Bloom judges visit the town in July and two Cranbrook Bloomers escort them on a pre-arranged tour.
We include a visit to a school, meeting students, who speak to the judges about their contribution to the campaign and business premises that encompass the Blooming aim. We are allocated 2 hours for the visit and finish with a light lunch or tea. (Cream Teas score high points!)
The results and presentations are announced at the event held in September and following that we hold our own "Thank you & Presentation Evening". This is an informal evening to which everyone who has been involved during the year is invited. It is also an opportunity for anyone who would like to be involved to come along and meet others.
Then the whole thing starts again !!
