SOUTH East England in Bloom judges have come in for considered criticism after decreeing that Alton's efforts this year had suffered from a lack of community involvement. Alton was awarded silver in the 2005 South and South East England in Bloom competition, with the Public Gardens receiving a bronze medal. Alton County Infants School won silver gilt as overall winners of the schools section, and the Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society's Joan Richardson received a special award for outstanding achievement. While not wishing to be accused of "sour grapes", one local In Bloom judge has rallied to the side of the organisers by pointing out that, while there may be room for improvement, Alton's effort is supported in no small way by a large number of ordinary citizens, businesses and voluntary organisations. Norman Pointing, who has spent many hours judging the local competition, points out that unlike many authorities in the south of England, Alton Town Council is only able to devote a very small fraction of its modest annual budget to the In Bloom competition. Working in partnership with Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which provides sponsorship and puts a large amount of hands-on effort into organising Alton's floral displays, the council receives support for the town's initiative in many different ways. Businesses buy into a hanging basket scheme and sponsor floral lamp post displays, local residents, streets and homes spend time and effort tending gardens and window boxes as do the pubs, hotels, museums and public buildings. The two main entrances to the town boast floral roundabouts courtesy of The Grange Hotel and Garthowen Garden Centre, and Alton Station looks a picture, thanks to the efforts of Mrs Richardson. Alton's schools take part in a sunflower competition, the Alton Society, Alton Allotment Association and Alton Horticultural Society all play their part, as do the local newspapers and Tourist Information Centre by providing publicity. Underpinning the whole initiative is the town's own "Alton in Bloom" competition. Now in its seventh year, cups, trophies and certificates are due to be awarded next Friday (October 14) at a ceremony in Alton Assembly Rooms for a wide range of categories, each one sponsored by a local business, club or organisation. Concerned that Alton may be trying to achieve the impossible by "going for gold" next year, deputy town clerk Greg Burt, speaking at a recent meeting of ATC's tourism and promotion committee, cited lack of time and resources as a major concern. In commending Mr Burt for his part in organising Alton's entry, along with Chamber secretary David Gay, councillors were unanimous in their support for entering next year's regional competition. Town council leader David Willoughby pointed out that interest in "England In Bloom" was growing thoughout the country and compared with five years ago the standard had gone up. Alton, he said, was a medium sized town competing against much larger communities with bigger budgets for In Bloom activities, but it was a town with a large number of community minded people and the key was to encourage wider involvement. It was a point taken up by Allan Chick who suggested trying to involve groups in taking on responsibility for their own special In Bloom patch. "There's no doubt that entering the competition engenders pride in the town which looks much neater, brighter and better for it. It would be a retrograde step to drop out," he said. l MID-Hants Railway volunteer, Joan Richardson, 87, has been awarded a South and South East England In Bloom Certificate of Excellence for her work over the past seven years in making platform three at Alton Station look an absolute picture. She is seen receiving the award from Alton Town Mayor Paddy Mendham. Joan started working at the station when she retired in October 1985. Delighted by the award, she confesses to a particular interest in planting and caring for the hanging baskets and tubs. "I think I'm busier now than I've every been," she said.
