Gold goes to....Downham Market


Hooray!! Downham Market received a GOLD award from “Anglia In Bloom” at the Awards Event in Gorleston on the 14th September.  The Live and Let Live or as it's known locally “The Livvy” Public House received a SILVER award on its first time of entry, so huge congratulations.

“Downham In Bloom” activities carry on throughout the year, which runs from July to July, and affects varied aspects of the town.     

The Willows Nature Reserve
Firstly there is the floral aspect, which is very visual and noticeable. This includes the work carried out by our Borough Council in the parks and open spaces and also the beautiful displays created by many of Downham's commercial premises including The Crown and The Castle and also Barker Bros. this year amongst others. Go and enjoy a peaceful time in the Willows Nature Reserve, some say our best kept secret. The boat over the Hythe Bridge is kept looking great year round. And Travis Perkins make an annual financial contribution.


All our schools take part in some way or other. Hopefully you will have visited the Memorial Garden designed and created by pupils from Downham Academy. Seed tray gardens are created by pupils from schools both within Downham Market and those from the outlying villages. Pupils from the Academy actually litter pick on the day we are judged. The care homes create container gardens beautifully.
Downham Market Town Hall Square

Which brings me to the contribution which every resident can make to their town. Litter is ugly.   None of us create stacks of it, but if we each take responsibility for disposing of it properly, rather than dropping or throwing it the difference made would be enormous. This includes cigarette ends either dropped or even stubbed out on top of the litter bins and left there. There is an opening through which the butt can be passed into the bin.

The Downham W.I. have made themselves responsible for upgrading and then maintaining two of the small gardens in the town. Also of course, we have the annual Festival which is run by a very small committee giving really big results. Plus Chinese New Year, St. George's Day and Halloween run by town Councillors and the Water Festival and Christmas lights run by separate committees with some support from the Council.

I could go on for pages, but I would like to finish by heaping praise on the  hard work and enthusiasm of everyone concerned in any way with keeping the town looking great. Even our shops are being painted and upgraded. What a difference they make as a contribution to the town

If you would like to join the In Bloom committee or would just like to put an idea forward, do please contact the Town Council on 01366 387770.

 19th September, 2017 – Marion Ross.

Downham In Bloom Committee proudly show off their Gold Award. Pictured: Cllr. Marion Ross (Chairman), Mayor Cllr. Frank Daymond (Vice Chair), Chris Durham (BCKLWN), Andrew and Julie Davy, Cllr. Tony Stacey, Cllr. John Doyle, Ray Starling, Nick Robinson (Holly Landscapes). Not Pictured: Beryl Parker (Horticultural Society), Michael Strutt, John Samuels (Rotary Club) and Shirley Starreveld

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