With the regional judging just two weeks away and the national judging taking place on August 2nd, it really is full steam ahead for all those involved with Henley in Bloom.  

Having returned from my holiday last week, I was delighted to find that a lot has been happening over the last couple of weeks in preparation for the judging which was great news to come back to!

The two golden wheelbarrows donated by Windowflowers are looking fantastic in Millennium Court - the whole area looks so revived and full of colour. The lavender is blooming and looks fantastic against Kings Barn.

Walking around the town, I can see that most of the sponsored hanging baskets are now up and looking very good. The Henley Lions have spruced up their garden at Chiltern End and we have decided to take the judges here on the tour.  

Wootten Manor shopping parade is now the proud owner of five new planters, which have delighted everyone and the committee have gained a new member – Richard Reed of the Henley Standard. Welcome aboard Richard!

The two new raised beds have now been planted to show the logos of Henley Town Council and Oxford Inspires on Mill Meadows. I expect we will need to give the plants a chance to grow before the logos are really visible. Toad Hall has been really helpful on this - it required a lot of extra planting!  A big thank you is owed to Mick Thomas and the Parks Serviceswho took on the onerous task of piecing together the designs.

We also have to thank the Royal Regatta for their sponsorship of the entrance sign to Henley as you approach the bridge from Remenham, which looks particularly good. They have also donated £1,500 towards refurbishment of the Philimore Fountain, which means with the donation by the Philimore Family we have enough for the refurbishment to go ahead which is fantastic.

You may have noticed that the Henley on Thames boundary sign at the Reading Road has been removed - it was quite faded so it has been taken away for refurbishment! We expect it to return very soon.

Some of you may also have seen flagpoles carrying the Henley in Bloom logo flags appear in the Market Place a few weeks ago - unfortunately the banner arms were not working correctly so we have gone back to the manufacturer to see what can be done. I hope they are back in position and flying proudly by the time the judges visit.

I have been extremely busy putting together the portfolio, which has to be given to the judges by Monday 9th July. Working with French Jones and Mandy Taylor, we have produced a 15-page A4 record book of all that has been happening over the last year, using photographs as proof.

Next, is perfecting the judges tour - which is must be no longer than two hours long! This is going to take up a lot of time.... so I must get on!

Keep up the hard work everyone - the town really is looking 'blooming' marvellous.

Liz