In bloom cancelled

Award winning ‘In Bloom’ volunteers forced to cancel

They won gold twice, shining a muchwelcomed national light on South Molton. But now the volunteer group has been forced to pull its 2024 entry in the prestigious RHS Britain in Bloom competition - citing vandalism as one of the reasons.

“Sadly we have been severely affected and disheartened by vandalism, theft and also the sale of the big bank in Raleigh Mead on which we had worked so hard and creatively for two years,” said the group’s coordinator Sue Harrison. “Until we are reassured that the volunteers’ good work around the town will remain undisturbed, it won’t be possible to enter competitions with confidence.”

They say they have also found it hard to compete against larger communities who

All smiles in 2022, when they won gold for South Molton for a second time

can draw on vastly more resources.

The ‘In Bloom’ team say they’ve spent more than £30,000 on planting around the townwinning gold medals in 2021 and 2022. They wish to thank South Molton Town Council and all their sponsors for their support. The volunteers now plan to focus on maintaining existing planted areas around the town.

Businesses or individuals who would like to sponsor the group, or new volunteers can email: sue@southmoltoninbloom.co.uk