Judges' Report - Spring 2008

(click here to download a copy of report)

HAMPSTHWAITE

Hampsthwaite is a small rural village that gives the visitor a friendly and inviting welcome. The public spaces are well maintained and the private gardens are impressive. The area is clean and tidy and offers a wide range of facilities. There is an enthusiastic 'In Bloom' Group and the campaign is well supported by both the local community and local businesses. The village should be congratulated for its efforts.

SECTION A - FLORAL DISPLAYS

Judges were particularly impressed by:

  1. The standards of both public and private spaces. This included Tea-Pot Row, Brookfield Crescent and the Village Green.
  2. The quality of the planting around the War Memorial and the Churchyard
  3. The Village entrance features
  4. Involving School children in the Bulb Planting on the Green
Areas suggested for future development:
  1. Encourage more businesses to participate in the spring displays
  2. Continue to develop the Road Sign beds and grass verge projects.
  3. Try to encourage more young people to get involved in projects around the town eg planting tubs and baskets etc.
SECTION B - PERMANENT LANDSCAPING, INCLUDING SHRUBS

Judges were particularly impressed by:

  1. New shrub planting around the church
  2. The number of private gardens displaying permanent planting
  3. Adopted zones - Areas maintained by local residents
Areas suggested for future development:
  1. The Sports Field car park requires upgrading in particular soft landscaping around the changing pavilion.
  2. Encourage the Joiners Arms to extend their spring display along with other commercial premises throughout the village such as the local car showroom/garage.
  3. Encourage the Parish Council to get more involved in the maintenance of permanent landscape features
SECTION C - CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING

Judges were particularly impressed by:

  1. The clearance of the Medieval Way has been particularly successful
  2. The continued improvement to the Brook/Stream area
Areas suggested for future development:
  1. To encourage and promote green waste recycling throughout the community
  2. Encourage local residents to mulch, to help towards water conservation.
SECTION D - LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Judges were particularly impressed by:

  1. Absence of litter throughout the village
  2. Street cleanliness and road sweeping carried out by Harrogate Borough Council
Areas suggested for future development:
  1. Encourage more young people to get involved in village clean up days.
SECTION E - PUBLIC AWARENESS

Judges were particularly impressed by:

  1. The range of communication mediums used eg Newsletters, local press, website etc.
  2. The number of people who are active on the In Bloom group
Areas suggested for future development:
  1. Make more use of the Hampsthwaite Village Website.
  2. Develop more links with local businesses, getting them to actively participate rather than playing a passive role.
  3. To actively engage further with young people's groups.

Hampsthwaite in Bloom

Photo gallery of Hampsthwaite in Bloom 2007

Yorkshire in Bloom

See the Yorkshire in Bloom website for details of this campaign which is open to all communities in the County, from villages through to the largest cities. It aims to encourage people to work together to care for their local environment. Entrants are judged according to a set of criteria which include floral enhancement, community, cleanliness, permanent landscaping, conservation and recycling.