Three cheers for Hopton’s horticultural heroes

DREAM TEAM Hopton in Bloom volunteers celebrated last summers double award success with champagne.

The village’s dedicated team of volunteers have been chosen to represent our region in the Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2014 after wowing regional judges last summer.

Member Kathryn Cockerill said “In 2012 we were overjoyed when we achieved a gold award from Yorkshire in Bloom but 2013 saw us jumping for joy at the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards Ceremony at York Racecourse when we were awarded gold and best in category 1B village.

“Now to be chosen to represent Yorkshire in Britain in Bloom is really a fantastic opportunity.”

The Hopton team, which will take part in the national final for the first time, beat more than 1,000 entrants to the honour. It was chosen by the regional team for engaging every element of the community, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to helping the environment and for horticultural excellence.

Hopton will join five other entrants in the village category.

RHS community horticulture manager Stephanie Eynon said: “This is a really special year to be an RHS Britain in Bloom finalist because it’s the 50th anniversary of the campaign. We would like to congratulate every group for reaching the finals. The awards are our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and may I wish Hopton in Bloom and every finalist the very best of luck in this golden anniversary year.”

Upper Hopton will be visited by two RHS judges in July or August, who will meet community representatives and take a tour of local projects.

They will inspect everything from local recycling schemes and conservation areas to public parks and bedding displays.

The results will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.

Mrs Cockerill said: “Our success has been achieved by sustained and continuous effort by our team, who last year worked steadily through one of the coldest winters with lots of snow and a very late spring.

“We also have wonderful support in many different ways from the residents in Upper Hopton who will, I am sure, be on board for a year of great activity in the hope of achieving gold.”