There is a host of ‘blooming’ good reasons to celebrate living in Ramsey, not least the prospect of winning up to ?300 in this year’s Ramsey in Bloom challenge.

Ramsey Town Commissioners’ lead member for parks and leisure Dr Alex Allinson is urging the people of Ramsey to get back to their roots and enter the competition. He said: ‘Every year some truly remarkable horticultural talent is revealed in our town. The Commission’s parks team under the leadership of head gardener Bob Cunningham does sterling work creating magnificent displays -12000 plants have been grown in the Commission’s nurseries and 284 hanging baskets put out - while Ramsey in Bloom provides opportunities for individuals, businesses and volunteer groups to demonstrate their civic pride and make the town a more attractive place for residents, workers and visitors. Also, by introducing added colour to the town Ramsey in Bloom is complementing the schemes under way to regenerate the town centre.’

13 trophies and 25 prizes are to be won in this year’s Ramsey in Bloom, categories for which are:

? Public building section;
? Commercial premises;
? Private gardens (private sector and public sector);
? Special categories, including ‘little gems’ and best newcomers;
? Community project;
? Wildlife garden.

Application forms are available from Ramsey Town Hall and public library, and downloadable from www.ramsey.gov.im. Alternatively telephone 810100 or email enquiries@ramsey.gov.im to arrange for an application form to be sent in the post.

Completed application forms must be received no later than June 30, 2012.

Judging will take place mid-July and a prize presentation will be held later in the summer at Ramsey Town Hall.

Photo caption - Ramsey Town Commissioners’ lead member for parks and leisure Dr Alex Allinson, right, with head gardener Bob Cunningham in the Commission’s nursery where more than 12000 plants have been grown. Picture Andrew Barton.