Ramsey Commissioners went to town on Tuesday 11th August, judging day for Ramsey in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition.
Royal Horticultural Society judges Roger Burnett and Andrew Jackson were met by Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Sylvia Beattie before setting off on a tour of the town in the company of head gardener Ken Barnes and others involved in the town’s bid for success in the Small Town category.
Community participation, environmental responsibility and horticultural excellence were the three pillars of the 2009 Britain in Bloom campaign.
In response, the tour took in Auckland Terrace, Parliament Street, the Courthouse, Mooragh Park, Cooyrt Balleigh, the industrial and wildlife garden adjacent to Ramsey Bakery, Kerroo Glass northern sheltered housing complex, where the judges paused for a press call, and a private garden in Claughbane Drive.
After viewing displays at Raymotors Garage the judging party returned to the Town Hall.
In the Small Town category, Ramsey was competing against Pitlochry in Scotland, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Liphook, Hampshire and Grouville in Jersey.
Judge Roger Burnett noted the improvements in the town since his last visit and said he and fellow judge Andrew Jackson were particularly impressed by Mooragh Park, which was, he said, ‘a park for all ages.’
Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Sylvia Beattie said, "The day dawned sunny and bright which proved the perfect backdrop to all the hard work Ken Barnes and his team have done over many months.
"We’re also very grateful for the support of local businesses and the people of Ramsey for entering into the community spirit of the event.
"The Mooragh Park, in particular, looked wonderful. Now all we can do is wait for the results in September, confident that we gave the competition our best shot."
The 2009 RHS Britain in Bloom finals take place in Torbay, Devon on Wednesday 23rd September.
Pictured: Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Sylvia Beattie with RHS Britain in Bloom judges Roger Burnett and Andrew Jackson
