The annual Otley in Bloom picnic (a bring-and-share event) was held in Wharfemeadows Park on 19th July, to coincide with Otley Brass Band performing there. We sat by the nectar bed and admired the flowers and bees, and the children who came had fun trying to fly a kite and playing with an umbrella. It’s not all hard work at Otley in Bloom.
Yorkshire in Bloom judges Brendan Mowforth and Timothy Stewart were given a guided tour of local highlights on a lovely sunny day. They were led by Otley in Bloom committee members Katie Burnett, David Bellerby and Edie Bates, along with mayor Councillor Philip Bye and town council leader, Cllr Ray Georgeson. They looked at Wharfemeadows Park including the nectar bed, the town centre, Bridge allotments, Gallows Hill nature reserve, and the Whartons Primary School. They were shown a display and presentation at Courtyard Planters followed by lunch at the Black Horse Hotel. Otley in Bloom is hoping to match its success last year, when Otley won a Gold Award in the competition’s town section and was named category winner.
We will find out how we did on the 8th Sept at the Awards Ceremony at York Racecourse, which we hope a couple of our members will be able to attend.
Some members of the gardening club at Ashfield Primary School helped Otley in Bloom with a planter in the middle of Otley, near Pizza Base and the Memorial Garden. Look out for the purple and yellow colour scheme. You can see some photos of them tidying, planting and watering it by going to their Facebook page:
Would you like to help prepare Otley for Summer?
Do you like planting up containers?
Do you fancy spending a morning with like-minded people?
Join us for this event. Some of the work will be done around town, and some of the work will be done inside (so it’s safe if you want to bring children – they can get involved too).
For more details call 01943 462390.
Yesterday’s Otley in Bloom event was a few of us helping secure these sleepers along the edge of a border in a residential area of town. One of the local residents has reclaimed a small bramble-infested area and created a beautiful cottage garden border for the whole street to enjoy, and all the people who walk past it. We know that it’s little areas like this that can raise a smile.
Otley in Bloom 