Spondon in Bloom - 2004

Victory in 2004!!

On Wednesday 8^th September, the judges for East Midlands in Bloom announced the winners. And we did better than we had dared dream....winners of our class ("Urban Community") and awarded a silver gilt certificate. Pictured here are committee members (from left: Jack Paton, Dee Spencer, Tricia Paton and Eddie Spencer with the certificate and trophy). This is an incredible result for our first attempt, which means that Spondon will be entered for the national contest next year. The Derby Evening Telegraph ran this story on the events.

However, the Village Improvement Committee is in no doubt as to who we really have to thank. As the judge's said in their report: "...at all stages and in every category of the judging criteria, it was clear that this was a community initiative, and it is difficult to conceive of anyone within the community who was unaware of the entry." So, enormous thanks to everybody in Spondon, and to all the Council officers who supported our entry.

We are hoping to build on this success, and our work with the Neighbourhood Safety team in entering for a "Taking a Stand" award.

Thanks in part to Spondon's contribution, Derby then went on to win its class in the "Britain in Bloom" competition, as reported by the Derby Evening Telegraph here and here.

Flowering Container competition 2004

On Wednesday 14^th July, Stuart Kitchen (Derby City Council Parks Department) judged the flowering container competition. Overall winner was Tony Lloyd of Royal Hill Road, with second prize (for the second year running!) going to Margaret Kelley of Locko Road and third prize winner was Val Hallsworth on Stoney Lane. The prize giving ceremony was part of the overall "Derby in Bloom" ceremony, held in the Mayor's Parlour on Thursday 4^th November.

Springfield Wood

A piece of school land became available on the lower part of Springfield school. One of our members came up with the idea of planting a small new wood (about two acres). This has the support of the School, Derby City Council Parks Dept. and the Woodland Trust. A committee of six people has been formed and the first meeting was on July 5th 2004.

We envisage this project taking about three years. During this time we will raise funds by applying for grants to 'green' organisations, whilst at the same time encouraging local organisations to take part in planting schemes and care of the area. When completed this project will be handed over to the Parks Department for management. West Park Nature Reserve Committee (a mix of DCC officers and local people) will continue to oversee the management of the land.

Our other "long term" project is the restoration of the Spondon stretch of the Derby & Sandicare Canal to form a "linear park".

Take a look at the other major VIC projects (support for the re-opening of Derby & Sandiacre Canal and the Village History Trail), the Severn-Trent clock or past and planned events.