Entente Florale jurors are welcomed to Garstang
Published Date:
06 August 2008
GARSTANG welcomed the Entente Florale jurors today with a whistle-stop tour of the town's attractions.
And despite the disappointing weather, the European delegation seemed very impressed with what they had seen.
This morning, the jurors were shown a DVD presentation at Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Club, followed by a visit to the Rural Wyre Children's Centre and Dewlay cheese factory, before enjoying lunch at Th'Owd Tithe Barn.
Monika Hetsch, Austrian member and chair of the jury, said she was particularly pleased with how clean and well-kept the town is.
She said: "So far, we've enjoyed our time here. Garstang is a very clean town and well-kept, with nice housing, nice front gardens and wonderful flower decorations and parks.
"The canal is a wonderful area to live along and to use for leisure. It is a touristic town but it's soft - it's not too over crowded and that's important.
"I think Garstang has everything in a good balance, through the culture and the landscape."
Monika was also impressed by Garstang's good infrastructure and its 'engaged' people.
She praised the Garstang in Bloom committee for their efforts, and said she had enjoyed her visit to the Rural Wyre Children's Centre, which she described as 'something really special'.
Clive Addison, the United Kingdom representative of the jury, said the day had gone really well.
He said: "Garstang has come out in force to welcome the jury. We have seen not only the people involved but the lovely floral displays and the fantastic sponsorship by local companies.
"The effort to improve the environment of Garstang is very impressive. What impresses the jury the most is seeing the whole community involved, including the children.
"It is important at the earliest stage that children are aware of environmental matters. We see this happening in Garstang and we want to encourage that."
Mr Addison expressed his excitement at being able to visit his native country with the prestigious jury.
He said: "The UK is one of the original countries to be involved in Entente Florale and I have to say the UK normally does quite well.
"Garstang is really working very hard to be a worthy representative of the UK."
Mayor Michael Halford, with his wife Robyn and son Nathan, welcomed the jurors at their hotel last night, before joining them this morning for the opening of the tour.
He said: "We think the town has been really well received by jurors. The day has been so well organised and is running like clockwork.
"It's great to see everybody outside. The children have come during their school holidays to maypole and clog dance for the jurors and I think it has shown a real community spirit. This is the culmination of many years of Garstang in Bloom."
Lynn Harter, the Bloom committee's public relations organiser, added: "I couldn't express to you how we all felt when we saw everybody on the bridge as we arrived at Th'Owd Tithe Barn. Everybody's come out and entered into the spirit of the whole thing. Even the judges took a visible intake of breath. It's been absolutely perfect."
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Last Updated:
06 August 2008 3:34 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Garstang