November 2008 Newsletter

Thank you to everyone in the Village and Parish!
The Appleton in Bloom Committee wish to thank everyone who worked so hard and contributed to our success in winning another Gold Medal and the Best Village Award in the Yorkshire in Bloom Competition this year. We have been invited to represent Yorkshire & Humberside in the Village category of the national Britain in Bloom Competition in 2009. Knowing how the whole village supported us when we were last in the nationals, in 2004, we have accepted. It will again give us the opportunity to show just how proud we are of our community and the promotion of “Horticultural Enthusiasm” both in the public areas and our private gardens. The Yorkshire in Bloom Committee has also offered us ongoing support and a mentor for our entry next year.

The Judges comments for 2008 are printed on the back of this letter so that you can read the details yourselves. The judges are always keen to see the involvement of younger people and we have been able to add the creation of a Gardening Club at School to work of the Junior Bloomers. It is good to see children and young people actively involved in caring for and protecting the environment.

We await full details of the Competition Rules for next year but in the meantime we are preparing by having a general tidy up around the village and planning for 2009.

Fundraising and Sponsorship
Fundraising and Sponsorship will be key to our entry next year as we expect to spend quite a bit more than we normally do for the county competition. We will be starting the fundraising activities with the Annual Quiz in the Village Hall on Saturday 7 March 2009. Put the date in your diary - tickets will be on sale in the New Year.

More Volunteers for 2009?
We were delighted with the fresh injection of volunteers to help with Yorkshire in Bloom this year. It gave the committee a great boost but we will need as many people as possible to help us with a push towards National Gold in 2009. Please contact one of the Committee if you are able to help in any way in the future.

For the judges comments - 2008 - see judging page