LEDBURY in Bloom will go ahead this year following doubts over its future, but more help is needed to make it 14 wins in a row for the town.

Ledbury has won gold awards in each of the last 13 years of the national competition which rewards towns that produce impressive floral displays.

2019 was described as “a real struggle” by the Bloom committee because they had just 12 volunteers, and there were fears Ledbury would have to drop out of the contest this year due to a lack of help and the chairman's plans to step down.

But after a story in the Ledbury Reporter which called for more volunteers, Bloom will go ahead in the town this year – and Clive Gunn will remain chairman.

He said: “It would have been a shame to throw in the ‘trowel’ now especially as there was no one else ready to make the extra commitment this year. I received a vote of thanks at the end of the AGM which was very unexpected and heartwarming.

“We desperately need more helpers and I really hope that people of all ages will consider my six-hour challenge. Just one hour a month for six months would make such a difference as many hands make light work.

“The current volunteers are such a friendly bunch of hardy perennials too.

“My original decision to stand down was mainly health related. I intend to be more of an organiser and promoter and less hands on this year but I rely heavily on my Deputy Christina Vass and the secretary and treasurer, my wife, Jane.

“I will stay on as long as I need to, I suppose.

“Recent changes in the judging parameters by RHS have made it harder to achieve gold awards. In particular I would love to hear from any clubs, societies, businesses or groups of any kind who would like to be involved. They can have a project to look after independently if they would like to.

“None of this would be possible without our sponsors and I must thank all of them for their generosity – every little helps.”

At the AGM of Ledbury in Bloom, Mr. Gunn agreed to postpone his planned retirement as chairman and Robin Fortune-Hiseman joined the committee as fundraising co-ordinator.

Christina Vass will continue as deputy chair with specific responsibilities for organising the spadework while Jane Gunn will be secretary and treasurer.

A small presentation was made to the outgoing treasurer Helen Keegan.

It was decided that LIB will try for a 14th consecutive gold in 2020 with the theme ‘Razzle Dazzle’ and will welcome the RHS judges to Ledbury on Tuesday, July 14.

If you can donate six hours of your time this summer please call Clive on 01531 634716 for further details or come along and meet the team at the next planning meeting on Monday 10th February at 7:30pm in the Community Centre.