'Our national gold award isn't just for Ansdell In Bloom, it's for the whole community'
“I am bursting with pride for the team who have worked so hard this and indeed every other year”
Ansdell In Bloom’s dedicated volunteers are celebrating the gold award in the Britain in Bloom national final - the biggest accolade there is for In Bloom groups - at the very first attempt.
They were involved at national level after previous regional successes, with the judges impressed with their Beside The Sea displays, including a flow-filled boat at the junction of Blackpool Road and Woodlands Road and several eye-catching features at Fairhaven.
The success in the coastal category came against the likes of Jersey, Guernsey and North Berwick and following a tough year, which included drought conditions.
Among the displays which impressed the judges were golf-themed ones celebrating the return of the AUG Women’s Open to the Royal Lytham and St Annes course which runs to Ansdell from St Annes.
The aim next year, says Ansdell In Bloom chairman Alan Roe, is to take a year off from competition before coming up with a special display in 2028, probably marking the return of The Open to the local championship course for the first time in 16 years.
Alan said: “I am bursting with pride for the team who have worked so hard this and indeed every other year.
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“This was our first time of being entered into the national competition so to come home with gold is a truly remarkable achievement.
“We have achieved the very top award available thanks to the wonderful efforts of our volunteers but it isn’t just for the Ansdell In Bloom team - it’s for the whole Ansdell community.
“That’s the schools, the churches, the businesses behind our efforts and we are also grateful for their support and that from both Fylde Council and Ansdell and Fairhaven Parish Council as well as all our lovely residents.”