We want an old boat to make a floral impression (From Worcester News)

Riverside town plans its bloom campaign for 2010

7:10pm Sunday 14th February 2010 in News

UPTON-upon-Severn in Bloom is gearing up for another successful year in the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

Members have made a start on the town’s 2010 campaign and hope someone will donate a rowing boat that’s no longer wanted.

One of the town’s most impressive floral displays has always been in a large rowing boat outside Upton Marina.

However, it is no longer in good condition and Upton in Bloom would like to hear from any local clubs who have an old boat that they would be happy to donate.

This summer’s displays have been planned – although their colour scheme remains a closely guarded secret – and Upton in Bloom chairman Jackie Surtees is confident the town will put on another impressive show.

She said: “I think that they will be quite eye-catching this year. We are putting a different display in the Old Churchyard, which will be something quite exciting, and we have got another new display in the planning stages, which is something we hope to get schools involved in.

“It seems ages since we have been able to get out because of the bad weather so we are raring to go. We can see bulbs starting to pop up all over the place now, so hopefully the improved weather will continue and we will have a good spring.”

Upton-upon-Severn has enjoyed lots success in the Heart of England in Bloom competition, most recently taking a gold and winning the large village category in 2009.

Upton in Bloom members hope to organise fund-raising events. Two table top sales are planned and the group will also be raffling a giant chocolate egg at Easter.

Mrs Surtees said: “We will probably try and squeeze another couple of events in and then we will be right in our busy season.”

Anyone who can provide a boat for a flower display can call Mrs Surtees on 01684 592336.