Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom - South East in Bloom Portfolio 2011

royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk

South East in Bloom Portfolio 2011

Foreword and Welcome to JudgesThe Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom campaign was re-introduced in 2010 after a gap of some 8 years. The new founders wanted initially to revitalise the town centre and engage communities and schools around the town and then widen the campaign reflecting the 3 pillars of the nationally recognised Britain in Bloom Campaign, namely, Horticultural Achievement, The Environment and Community Engagement.

Linking in to the Borough Council’s Love Where you live initiative, the newly formed Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom Committee secured funding from the Borough and County Councils and sponsorship from local business.

In the first year our main achievements have been that we have more than doubled the floral displays within the town centre by utilising more sustainable containers and engaging volunteers to plant and sponsor the high profile planters. We organised a town wide gardening competition with 8 sections and 58 entrants together with a schools competition involving 17 schools.

We celebrated our success in an Awards Ceremony for the Town Competition and our Schools and then finally at a Thanksgiving. These celebrations raised our profile and recognised the many groups and individuals that were involved in our very first year back.

We have also engaged the community through press releases, and publications, events and several community projects.

This year building on the successes of the past 12 months we have entered the prestigious South East in Bloom Awards and look forward to meeting our Judges Linda Jones and Ken Fairview to present to them our efforts.

This portfolio seeks to summarise our campaigns and efforts giving a welcome introduction to our Judges in preparation for their judging tour on 15th July 2011.

We hope you both will enjoy your visit, have a taste of our enthusiasm and see the improvements that our campaign has brought to our beautiful Kent Weald Town.

Councillor Ronen BasuChair, Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom

Section A: Horticultural AchievementAt the start of our campaign the town centre had tired planters and very few floral displays. In the past 12 months we have worked with local community groups to introduce a range of floral delights including, 3 tier planters, troughs, planters and baskets.

3 tier planters baskets and troughs from last summer

We appreciate that Judges cannot see the town all through the seasons, so here are some pictures of our beautiful town out of the judging season:

Snowdrops donated by residents and planted by the Friends Group at Dunorlan

Calverley Grounds formal gardens in the spring

The Common in winter

The last of the summer complements the autumn hues at the Pantiles

New cherry trees in spring (on The Common)

Town centre spring planting

We organised a town wide Tunbridge Wells in Bloom Competition to celebrate our residents gardens and floral features, here are some of our lovely gardens:

Spring colour in our lovely residents' gardens

The competition involved a business category, here are some examples

Pubs joined in too

Section B: The Environment and SustainabilityAs a community we have achieved an overall 46% recycling rate, we recycle: 21,777.31 tonnes of material.

Kerbside:

Compostable 11172.33

Paper and Cardboard 6046.92

Plastic bottles and cans 992.08

WEEE 22.36

Third Party charity collections:

Furniture 138.39

Clothes 27.50

Bring sites:

Glass 2597.99

Cans 47.96

Paper 391.55

Cardboard 241.02

Textiles (including shoes) 97.66

Books 1.55

Tonnes of residual waste sent to waste to energy plant/landfill 25625.32.

The vast majority of residual waste is utilised to create energy in a state of the art waste to energy plant. Only items that cannot be burned are sent to landfill

Community CampaignsWorking with the Tunbridge Wells in Bloom and within the Council’s Love Where We Live campaign we:

Offer local community groups such as church groups, guide and scout groups, the use of equipment, High visibility jackets, sharps containers, first aid equipment, litter pickers and black sacks to hold clear ups in their area. TWBC deliver the equipment prior to the clearance and collects the rubbish after the clear up.

Local fetes and eventsThe Council provides litter bins for local fetes and events such as The Mela, to facilitate the disposal of waste at these events. The bins are dropped off prior to the day and then collected along with the rubbish afterwards.

Education A volunteer “Bloom” Campaigner has carried out recycling evenings at local brownie units, this gave the children a chance to find out what can be recycled, discussions on how to use the recycling sites sensibly and how to reduce what is thrown away in the first place. Other campaigns have involved members of the Bloom Committee going into schools to talk to children about keeping the environment clean

Abandoned VehiclesMembers of the public can report to the Council vehicles which they believe to be abandoned, checks are made and notices posted on the vehicles, if no contact is received regarding the vehicle within 7 days the vehicles are removed.

Operation CubitPeriodically, a multi-agency operation targeting untaxed vehicles which are removed from the roadside. Owners have a period to claim the vehicle and repay all costs involved or the vehicles are crushed. This campaign reduces the number of abandoned cars.

GraffitiGraffiti is removed from public areas by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s contractor, Cory Environmental, where graffiti is obscene or offensive it is removed urgently. Businesses are encouraged to remove graffiti from their properties and graffiti kits can be lent out to assist with the removal.

1 of 37 appropriately screened community recycling facilities

Fly TippingFly tipping is removed as soon as it is reported or, pro-actively, if seen by either a Bloom Campaigner or staff at the Council. Where there is evidence amongst the rubbish and the culprits identified, the offenders are taken to court and fined.

LitteringFixed penalty notices are issued by the Council’s Street Scene Enforcement Officers if members of the public are seen dropping litter or cigarette butts, a campaign was carried out in the main shopping are offering gum and cigarette pouches to the public to help prevent the dropping of litter earlier this year.

Dog FoulingThe Council’s Streetscene Enforcement Officers carry out patrols both on street and in the parks to encourage dog owners to clear up after their animals. Fixed penalties can be issued if dog faeces is not cleared by the owner.

Chewing gum campaignSponsored by Tidy Britain a proactive educational campaign and additional removal programmes have been commenced for a year from April 2011.

Carbon management and minimising consumablesThe town has many fine examples of sustainable buildings and carbon management schemes. A modern purpose built hospital on the edge of the town includes:

A green Roof

A Sustainable urban drainage scheme

Solar panels and

The use of grey water

The building is designed expressly to minimise energy usage with state of the art insulation, under floor heating and energy efficient equipment.

Master plan of Pembury Hospital showing the screening and general landscaping

The Council is setting the example by making significant steps to reduce its energy use to save money and cut its emissions of carbon dioxide and is on target to reduce its carbon emissions by 25% over the next 5 years.

Initiatives have included:

The installation of voltage optimisers in the Town Hall and Assembly Hall

Fitting more efficient lighting and controls during replacement in the planned maintenance programme

Reduction in gas consumption at the Crematorium through changes in work practice

The Bloom Campaign raises awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions and the use of consumables by working closely with its partners and acting as a further pressure group to engage the communities and business to think globally and act locally.

Local examples of good practice in the community encouraged by our campaign include recycling and composting and our local competition awards marks for sustainable gardening practices.

Our parks and open spacesTWBC have commenced a full environmental audit in the last few months to compliment our actions to manage our sites in a sustainable way. These actions include:

Green waste composting

The use of 2 electric buggies

Equipment and vehicles running on bio fuel

Mulching programmes with locally produced materials

Floral displays with water reservoirs and the use of water retentive granules

Mixing permanent plants in our bedding schemes

Reducing the use of consumables and CO2 emissions

Use of peat-free compost

ConservationWe are blessed with several high value conservation areas within the town most of these sites are managed by charitable organisations and our key partners.

All of these sites are managed in accordance with best practice to conserve the environment but allow appropriate levels of access and educational and other activity.

Kent High Weald Partnership sitesOne of our key partners, they manage a number of sites in the town. Below is a selection of these. The not for profit organisation’s main aim is to of facilitate and enable countryside management in Tunbridge Wells Borough, working in the High Weald AONB and adjacent Low Weald. Their mission statement is:

“To link the local community and the countryside by raising awareness and encouraging action” To facilitate the fundamental reconnection of the community with the dynamics and life of the local countryside and rural economy, thereby ensuring the future of our precious natural resources and rural heritage, encapsulated within the High Weald AONB and surrounds.

This will be achieved by improving understanding, raising awareness and empowering ordinary people to make changes and take action.

Through nature conservation advice, site management planning and practical works, in con junction with volunteer groups, schools and partners, KHWP works with local communities and landowners to care for and improve the local environment.

Barnetts Wood LNRBarnett’s Wood LNR – first site to be designated an LNR by TWBC in 1998:

Ancient woodland, meadows, species-rich hedgerows, and ponds

Managed by the KHWP and the Friends of Barnett’s Wood

Important site for threatened birds (skylark, song thrush), and amphibians

New education pond is a focal point of activity, new ‘pond pack’ for schools

Hilbert Woods LNRHilbert Woods LNR – urban reserve within Grosvenor and Hilbert Park

Coppiced woodland, open grassland dotted with wildflowers

Contains a circular walk along streamside woodland, bluebell coppiced areas, and medieval wood banks

Recent projects: sowing wildflower meadow and planting a new woodland

Tunbridge Wells Common ConservatorsThis site is managed by a charitable trust set up to manage the common to conserve its natural heritage .

Right next to the town centre and extending in to the countryside, the 256 acres of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons provide an important and most unusual refuge for wildlife within the urban area. Unlike most public open spaces, they have never been landscaped or cultivated.

The Commons today consist of a mosaic of habitats, in which surviving areas of heath and grassland, along with the open sandy areas around the major rock formations, coexist with tracts of secondary woodland. Further diversity is provided by a series of semi-natural ponds. Current management aims to preserve this diversity, and a reasonable balance of the different elements, by containing the spread of woodland and expanding the open areas.

Several winter volunteer work parties are organised by volunteers, the Friends of the Commons and usually take place every first Saturday morning of the month. The dates from last were:

16 October 2010

6 November 2010

4 December 20101

8 January 2011

5 February 2011

5 March 2011

Coppicing at Hilbert Woods LNR with volunteers

Wellington Rocks on the common

The mosaic of habitats provides a haven for wild life

Section C Community Involvement

The 2011 LaunchFollowing on from our 1st launch for 8 years in 2010. We launched this year’s campaign in June 2011. This was lead by our Chairman Councillor Ronen Basu supported by our Local MP, Mr Greg Clark and by Christine Davies who had engaged 8 community groups to plant our town centre precinct planters and sponsor them for £50 each. The following organisations were involved in our launch

Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre

Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society

Royal Tunbridge Wells Girl Guides

Tunbridge Wells Headway

Tunbridge Wells Rotary Club & Inner Wheel Club

Royal Tunbridge Wells Scouts

Soroptimist Club 0f Tunbridge Wells

Southborough and District Lions Club

Tunbridge Wells Round Table

Rotary Club of the Pantiles (sponsored two tubs)

Schools’ involvementOur campaign has engaged with all of the schools in the town we had a schools competition with 17entries, 12 primary and 5 secondary and a sunflower completion, here are some pictures to give you a flavour:

As part of this school children were busy planting and weeding at the Pantiles and TN2

The children also grew vegetables and a prize was awarded for the best wheelbarrow of produce.

The campaign in the schools was initiated and supported by RTW in Bloom and included a new allotment being created and a presentation to some 600 children.

The Schools were awarded bulbs to plant in their grounds

Our Town Competition and Awards CeremoniesWe are now into our second season of organising the local “Bloom” competition, so judging and results are all pending. We continue to be sponsored by Salamons whom host the general awards ceremony and by Trinity for the Schools.

In the general completion we had 8 categories and 58 entrants. The judging team was all volunteers and totalled 16. We utilised a simplified version of the RHS Britain in Bloom criteria. Judges will see on route some of these gardens and Oakley Special school, special by name and by the efforts everyone there makes.

Pepenbury Food for ThoughtOne of our partners, Pepenbury has a Food for Thought campaign. That involves school children, people with learning difficulties and volunteers to grow local fruit, herbs and vegetables.

The charitable group has raised funds to provide a large allotment style garden, poly tunnels, raised beds and a cafe. The produce grown on site is used in the cafe and sold. Other products include hanging baskets made by the volunteers and children.

The project is supported by Twin Bloom and involves Sherwood Park School, Oakley Special School and Little Forest Children’s centre, together with Kent High Weald Partnership. Members of the “Bloom” Committee are engaged in developing the links between us given our shared objectives.

2 entrants in the community gardens section

Volunteers working at Pepenbury

Specific Community ProjectsHere is a summary of the projects that we have supported,or organised in the past year.

Pepenbury – Food 4 Thought

Groups and Partners KHWP volunteers

Tunbridge Wells in Bloom

Corporate volunteer group.

TWBC volunteer group.

Oakley School volunteers.

Food 4 Thought ProjectCreation of 30x30m vegetable and fruit garden, including 12 disabled access raised beds and 7 low beds bordered with locally cut wood from a chestnut coppice in TW borough. Also creation of a polytunnel and protective fencing from rabbits and deer.

Outcomes The aim of the project is to produce healthy, nutritious, locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables for the community, to promote healthy food and a healthy lifestyle and to provide an outdoor space for physical exercise, health and well-being.

Allotment sites where people with learning disabilities, local school groups and volunteers can grow a wide range of vegetables, fruit and herbs, which will be used in the residential houses, coffee shop, cookery skills workshops and sold at Pepenbury, local farmers’ markets and to local residents. The project will also provide training and workshops for school groups and community groups to learn about food growing, healthy eating, cooking and food preparation.

No of Volunteers 80

Hours completed 400

Comments

From: Veronika Reeves [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: 09 July 2010 16:01 To: Adams, Jason - EHW EW

Subject: RE: team day

Hi Jason, We really enjoyed the day. We all have some parts of our bodies burned from the sun but otherwise we are fine. I brought the pictures from yesterday to work and everybody has already seen them at least 5 times. Please send the invoice to me with details of what the £500 went on (welcome to local government).

It was good to see the instant change when we worked on the beans bed. You don’t get that when answering emails all day!

Thank for organising that, couple of people were complete novices in using a fork and a spade and I would like to believe that next time they won’t be that scared.

Veronika

Barnett’s Wood Local Nature Reserve

Groups and Partners Friends of Barnett’s Wood


KHWP volunteers

Cranbrook in Bloom

St Matthews Primary School

Millbank (asylum seeking minors)

Description Hay and meadow management.

Pond management

Glade and ride enhancement.

Hedgerow management

Coppicing

Wildflower planting

OutcomesAnnual seasonal management operations completed to enhance the habitat and biodiversity of this Local Nature Reserve

No of Volunteers 159

Hours completed 700 hrs

Comments

From: Emilia Sanders [[email protected]]

Sent: 27 October 2010 07:26

To: Adams, Jason - EHW EW

Subject: RE: Activities

Good morning Jason,

Yesterday we went to Barnetts Wood. It was fantastic. My children, Edward and Nicholas, loved it. It was such a great opportunity for them to learn, they were so happy. Even my 2 year old had fun making a hedgehog. It was a treat for me too, usually it is all about the children...

One of them, Nicholas, on the way back to the car picked a flower and gave to me to say thanks for organising such a fun adventure.

Thank you very much for booking us for the event,

Emilia

Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery

Groups and Partners TWBC and KCC


Soroptimists, Civic Society, Family History Society

U3A, FOE and WKVB.

The Friends regularly give free history lectures and guided walks to a wide range of local church groups, WI, MU, British Legion, Royal Air Force Association, Rotary, Inner Wheel, etc.

We involved local Guides in a concert.

Sponsors include TWBC, KCC, National and local organisations (Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Burslems Stonemasons Cripps Harries Hall, National Maritime Museum, Guild of Clockmakers, British Pharmaceutical History Society)

DescriptionThe Friends were established to further the protection, conservation and sympathetic enhancement of Woodbury Park Cemetery. There are currently over 100 members.

Our achievements include talks, walks and challenge days, clearing away damaging scrub while carefully maintaining insect and plant conservation

Conducted regular Saturday working parties to maintain and plant the cemetery, repaired 77 monuments so far with more to come.

Published two walk-round nature booklets; erected information boards in the cemetery and public seats.

Held public exhibitions in the Library, and at St Barnabas Church during Heritage Open Days; and prepared a “treasure chest” of working materials for primary school teachers

A small group of half a dozen people form the backbone of the Saturday gardening work parties who maintain the cemetery’s appearance all year round.

Volunteers are all ages and many visit daily thus volunteer hours average 12 per week and with projects totals about 2500 volunteer hours p/a


1. The basic taskClearing brambles, ivy and saplings, and creating sight lines.

Before: After:

Before: After:

2. Conservation & regenerationPreservation of existing plants: Primrose and snowdrop plantings:



Before: After:

Before: After:


Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons

Groups and Partners Friends of Tunbridge Wells


Rusthall Commons

Commons Conservators

Kent Wildlife Trust

Description Completing work that can only be done by hand, not by machinery, such as clearing rock outcrops and anthills. This work would not be done without

the volunteers as the Conservators do not have the budget to employ Contractors for this type of work.

Achievements All activities took place on Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons with on average 14 Volunteers on each task day. Most are retired and over 60. Events which normally last around 3 hours take place once a month in winter. This equates to more that 500 hours per year.

This years volunteers have Established a new glade near Fir Tree Road Car Park, Clearing vegetation from rock formations in Denny Bottom (photograph) and planting native species. Comments/quotations/articles from participants and others on the benefits of the project.

Hilbert Woods Local Nature Reserve



Millbank

Description Removing alien invasive species

Path drainage improvements

Coppicing

Tree planting

Thinning

Outcomes Maintenance and enhancement of this Local Nature Reserve through traditional management practices, thereby increasing biodiversity.



Oak Road Community Garden

Groups and Partners Oak Road Community


KHWP volunteers

Probation service volunteers

Description Creation of a herb wildlife friendly garden in an urban setting (High Brooms area)

OutcomesArea of waste ground converted to a landscaped community garden for the benefit of local residents and wildlife. (Grass snakes seen on site after completion)

No of Volunteers 50 (over 3 days)


Comments From: DAWN STANFORD [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: 24 February 2011 16:44

Subject: Re: Oak Rd Community Garden

Hi All

A brill day, I am shattered which means we did good. The children were definately the stars of the day... lots of really good photographs and loads of enthusiasm. The catering was good, a little fussy for some of the adults as well as the children though and I think a BBQ will go down really well next time with some juices and fresh fruit.

A very enjoyable day with a good result, cant wait for the photos and for the next day.

Kind regards

Dawn

Oakley Secondary School



Oakley School volunteers.

Skinners School

Food 4 Thought Project: Installation of benches in garden area, compost bins,

bean growing structures.

Landscaping around new pond area and installation of benches.

Creating a footpath to Pepenbury by removing vegetation and woodland cutting.

Planting a hedge and fencing to protect from deer and rabbits.

Path laying to improve access around a sensory garden.

Creating a fenced poly tunnel area.

Outcomes Creation of an area for growing vegetable and fruit for

use in the school and other local groups.

An educational resource where children can learn about food, growing and tending crops, healthy eating and food preparation.

Developing a safe pond area to be used by Oakley and other local schools for wildlife study.

Creating a physical link between Oakley and Pepenbury to aid their partnership working


Hours completed 1095

Reynolds Lane Local Wildlife Site



Millbank

General public

Description Scrub clearance and tree management.

Surveying.

Outcomes Improving the habitats for wildlife around this important site and carrying out bird and plant surveys to compare with previous records as part of monitoring the biodiversity of the site.

No of Volunteers 87

Hours completed 435

Sherwood Park Community Primary School

Food 4 Thought project



Parents

Sure Start (Dad’s group)

Pepenbury volunteers

Oakley School volunteers

Millbank

Description Creation of a vegetable and fruit garden by installing 8 raised beds and refurbishing 3 greenhouses.

Outcomes Production of locally grown food for the benefit of school children, Little Forest Children’s Centre and the wider community.

Educational resource for food production and practical gardening techniques.

No of Volunteers 84

Hours completed 420

Dunorlan Park – Friday volunteer group

Groups and Partners Sodexo Head Gardener, Tony Ewins


Oakley School

DescriptionA small group of volunteer boys who carry out a variety of projects in Dunorlan Park under the encouragement and guidance of the Head Gardener, Tony Ewins. The work they have carried out this year includes clearance and thinning and making habitat piles in the boundary woodland belt alongside the path from the Victoria Cross Grove to the top pond, when they also came across a blackbird’s nest with fledglings. They have helped to clear scrub and Himalayan Balsam (an invasive weed) from the top pond area when they found a newt as well as helping erect protective fencing AND building an owl box. In addition the boys do formative pruning and general horticultural tasks such as weeding, mulching and coppicing.

Details Location of activity(s): Throughout the park as noted

above

Number of volunteers: Four

Ages of volunteers: 17 and 18

Status/background/Nationality: Special needs boys with a variety of problems including autism.

Frequency: Annually Every Friday during school term but not during bad weather. Starting in September and running through to July, with a new group of boys start again in September.

Hours completed: They work from 9.30 am to about 1.45pm each Friday.

AchievementsAs with the Monday volunteer group, the tasks the ‘Oakley Lads’ group carry out assist Tony Ewins and his team in ensuring Dunorlan Park is looked after and nurtured to the highest degree, in particular the work they do on enhancing and augmenting the habitat and biodiversity aspects of the park is especially important. In addition, for some of the boys, the work contributes to their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Comments/quotations/articles from participants and others on the benefits of the project.

The boys benefit immeasurably from their volunteering in the park. Oakley School have told us that being in a real working environment, learning to work in a small team, and coping with being out in the open in a public place builds their confidence, and as they become more confident they become more able to manage independently. As they learn new things and work together their language skills improve and there self esteem is reinforced as they recognise that they are making a valued contribution to society by their volunteering. Peggy, from the Oakley School, advised that one of the boys has learnt so much and enjoyed the work so much, he is going on Hadlow College to do a landbased skills course there !

Dunorlan Park – Monday volunteer group

Groups and Partners Sodexo Head Gardener, Tony Ewins.


Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – Gateway.

Brief Description of project(s):A group of volunteers who meet in Dunorlan Park and carry out a variety of projects under the encouragement and guidance of the Head Gardener, Tony Ewins. The work they do includes hedge laying, coppicing and thinning saplings, pruning ornamental plants and epicormic growth from trees, planting bedding plants and edging the planting beds, clearing brambles and weeds, and planting wildflowers in habitat areas.

AchievementsWork takes place throughout Dunorlan Park and number of volunteers is usually around 10 and generally they range in age from 30 to 50.

Most of the volunteers are unemployed and have often been referred to Tony Ewins by the Gateway and some are retired with a mix of genders albeit mainly men.

Every Monday except bank holidays and bad weather.

Starting at 9.15am the volunteering generally lasts around 6 hours. This equates to more than 2,500 hrs per year.

AchievementsDunorlan Park is a large and very well loved park and the maintenance team generally has it’s hands full just carrying out the regular day to day work needed to maintain it at an acceptable standard and cope with the pressures of high public use. The volunteer assistance provided by the Monday group is vital in ensuring that the extra level of maintenance and ‘tender loving care’ which Tony and his team aspire to, but often do not have the resources to do, is carried out to the benefit of the park and it’s users.

Comments/quotations/articles from participants and others on the benefits of the project.Apart from benefitting the park and the general public who use it, the work benefits the volunteers. Some of whom have life problems which are helped by the regular physical exercise involved in the work, and all of whom benefit from working outside, meeting new people and learning new skills. Some of the volunteers have been helping in the park for a number of years, illustrating how much they enjoy it.

Kent High Weald Partnership Community Projects at Dunorlan Park



Dunorlan Park volunteers

Friends of Dunorlan Park

Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group.

Description Hosting events and building pond dipping platforms

Achievements Bat walks lead by Kent Bat Group and KHWP combined

with moth study evenings.

KHWP stand at Kent Goes Wild with children’s activities and bug hotel making.

Completion of 2 pond dipping platforms, together with inspection tables and seats. This will be used as an educational resource by local schools and for public events.

Toad survey attended by 10 people to establish Dunorlan Park as a site of county importance for breeding toads.

No of Volunteers Around 40 volunteers provided around 200 hours of work on site. In addition the KHWP stand at Kent Goes Wild attracted over 500 visitors over two days and the bat and moth evenings attracted over 140 people over two evenings.

The Friends of Dunorlan Park

Groups and Partners Tunbridge Wells Borough Council


Tunbridge Wells Museum

Kent High Weald Partnership

the maintenance contractors Sodexo, in particular Tony Ewins the Head Gardener at Dunorlan Park

Hadlow College

The Courier newspaper

other Friends’ groups and of course the general public who use the park

Description The Friends of Dunorlan Park are a charity and carry out a range of activities supporting it’s aims and objectives (set out under achievements below) including producing a Newsletter 3 or 4 times per year. This year activities have included:

Organising themed walks in the park for members and the general public – in the past year walks have included a Fungal Foray and a Dawn Chorus walk; helping out and manning promotional stalls at park events – last September at Kent Goes Wild; arranging special visits to other parks and gardens for members; applying to outside organisations for funds as well as fund raising money for special projects – this year funds have been raised to buy grain to feed the waterfowl in the winter, for a special project aimed at stopping the continued erosion of the island banks in partnership with KHWP and Hadlow College and, by the sale of a calendar put together by a member of the Friends, funds have also been raised towards setting up a dedicated Friends web site (work in progress); submitting objections to an appeal in connection with an inappropriate boundary development proposal; participating in volunteer activities in the park arranged by other organisations; participating in public consultation exercises where proposals may (adversely) affect the park; maintaining a positive and successful relationship with the park owners - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and actively liaising with the park’s Head Gardener, Tony Ewins as well as the public using the park.

AchievementsMembership of the Friends is just over 320 of whom all are potential volunteers with an active Committee of 7. Members are mainly retired but there are also quite a lot of family memberships. Volunteers range from grandchildren to grandparents and all the ages in between. Generally the Friends are engaged in something on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

Aims and Objectives of the Friends Promoting and encouraging ‘enjoyment for all’ in the

park helping in the avoidance of conflict between different types of user.

Keeping the focus of TWBC on the continuing importance of proper funding for and maintenance and improvement of the restored Park and its facilities.

Keeping a close watching brief on any development proposals adjacent to the park and taking appropriate action if we see them as having an adverse effect on the park.

Encouraging and facilitating wider knowledge and use of the Park and all it has to offer – particularly as an education resource for local schools and their pupils.

Encouraging the use of Dunorlan Park as a healthy recreational facility for people of all ages, whether local or visiting.

Promoting conservation and biodiversity within the park, particularly in the meadows, scrub, lakes and ponds and wetlands

Assisting with applications to funding bodies

Helping Hands Project

Groups Involved The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

TWBC

Friends of Dunorlan

Description Scrub clearance

Making baskets and tubs

Shrub planting

Pruning

Clearing hard surface weeds

Litter picking

Outcomes An overgrown area within the conservation pond at Dunorlan was opened up to encourage beneficial flora and new habitats

Baskets and floral displays were made and donated to community groups and Oakley Special School

Several beds were gapped up at Calverley Grounds

Unwanted growth removed to improve security and the environment was improved and made cleaner

No of Volunteers 32


Comments The recipients of the floral displays were very pleased and are more than willing to look after them and several members of the public complimented the work and how it was completed.

Our key partners



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Appendix A: Press release, communications, publications and “Bloom Diary”RTW in Bloom has had great success with both press releases and other communication mechanisms since its return in 2010.

Over the past 12 months or so we have had a combined total of 33 press releases or publications in partner’s public communications and have developed a high quality web site.

Here is a sample of these communications. Most press releases are in a format that does not allow transfer to this document, however may be viewed on web site: royaltunbridgewellsinbloom.org.uk

15 June 2011Tunbridge Wells SO magazine looks at some of the stories making the headlines: "BLOOMIN' MARVELLOUS" - "Town pride will be blossoming again this summer with the return of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom. The once popular competition was revived last year and was a great success, with residents and business pulling together to create a glorious floral spectacle. Containers, street flower baskets, barrier thoughts and even roundabouts are set to boast fragrant displays as TW gears up for the contest. From schools to pubs, everyone is welcome to submit their beautiful basket, balcony, shop front or street. Anyone who would like to take part can pick up a leaflet from Tunbridge Wells Gateway, before the closing date on June 27."

22 May 2011Planting of the Pantiles tubs took place on Thursday 19 May 2011, at 11am and the children from Broadwater Down Primary School (last year's competition winner) came to help. The plants for the troughs (sponsored by Smalloads, Paddock Wood in 2010) were sponsored by The Rotary Club of the Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells Round Table.

Sunflower planting will take place at Trinity Gardens on Tuesday 24 May 2011, at 1.30pm. St John's Primary School children and some children from St Marks Primary

School who have grown the plants will come along and some members of Inner Wheel will join to help them.

18 May 2011Tunbridge Wells U3A (University of the Third Age) joins the campaign to encourage individuals to participate in the various competitions for 'Best' and bring back the sparkle to our town. — U3A Newsletter May 2010

14 May 2011"MP Greg Clark launches Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom 2011"

— Jenna Pudelek, kentnews.co.uk

1 May 2011"Sign up your open space to help make our town bloom"

— with Jenna Pudelek's community support in "Your Tunbridge Wells" / kentnews.co.uk Bloom is back for 2011.

21 April 2011This year Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom takes part in the South & South East in Bloom competition. SSEIB is one of 17 independent regional campaigns which make up Britain in Bloom, Europe’s largest horticultural campaign. A portfolio has to be submitted by 25 June and judging day of the town will be 15 July 2011.

ANNOUNCEMENT for Saturday 14 May 2011Two weeks earlier than last year, planting day (3-tier planters/wooden planters) in the Victoria Place Precinct will be Saturday 14 May 2011, 10am!

22 March 2011Again this year, Salomons will host and cater for the awards presentation of the various "BEST" categories on Friday 30 September 2011, 3pm.

The SCHOOLS awards presentation will take place this year at Trinity on Wednesday 21 September 2011, 4pm.

Illuminations, Camden Road, will support the "SCHOOLS" competition awards.

21 March 2011 - SPRING EquinoxPrimary School Competition Application Form 2011 is available;

Sutton supports the competition again by providing sunflower seeds and also some vegetable seeds.

15 December 2010Tunbridge Wells Borough Council LOCAL reports on "Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom - Special Ceremony for sponsors, volunteers and organisers on Friday 15 October 2010" — LOCAL - winter 2010

7 December 2010Tunbridge Wells Borough Council saves £3 Million on the new (10 years) parks contract which accounts for a massive 190 hectares of precious open space, woodland, play and sports facilities in Tunbridge Wells.

During the negotiations the council also secured additional value through improved maintenance of all bowling greens and additional labour without further cost. This added resource can be deployed during the “off peak” period of January and February and will help to deliver the council aim of greater community engagement as part of the Big Society agenda. Local friends and community groups, such as Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom, will benefit from the extra help.

11 November 2010Bloom 2011 and again supported by the Council!

5 November 2010"Thank you for all the Flower Power" — BLOOMING WONDERFUL:

The “In Boom” gathering at the Town Hall in Royal Tunbridge Wells (15.10.2010) by the Kent & Sussex Courier chief reporter Mary Harris.

Bloom for the winter and spring 2011

24 October 2010 The Bloom Committee replanted the 6 large wooden troughs (sponsored in spring 2010) at The Pantiles with winter pansies and yellow primula; Christopher Thomas provided the plants.

16 October 2010 The Bloom Committee and volunteers replanted the Victoria Place Precinct wooden planters and 3-tier displays with mixed coloured winter pansies and primula; the Council's Parks Department provided the plants.

15 October 2010A thank-you meeting took place in the Town Hall's Council Chambers, Royal Tunbridge Wells in attendance of the Mayor David Jukes, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Roy Bullock and the Chief Executive, William Benson.

"Let's go Bloom! - Again in 2011" — produced by Katharina Mahler-Bech [and Daniel Bech], was presented by Mel Henley to sponsors, contributors, volunteers and press.

The Mayor David Jukes's welcoming speech was followed by the distribution of certificates to sponsors. The Bloom Committee asked for feedback.

9 October 2010"Sponsors needed to help town blossom" — Jenna Pudelek of the Kent on Saturday & Sunday (KoS): "Now the hunt is on for sponsors to provide the financial backbone of the 2011 event and make it bigger and better than ever before. Next Friday 15 October 2010, a debriefing will be held in the borough council's chambers where organiser, participants and sponsors will begin discussions about next year's event."

24 September 2010 and 25 September 2010Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom - for 2011

Cllr Roy Bullock, Leader of the Council, stated at the Awards Ceremonies that the Bloom Competition will be organised again in partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in 2011!

25 September 2010COMPETITION RESULTS of PRIMARY and SECONDARY SCHOOLS

announced at the Awards Presentation at the Corn Exchange on 25 Sep 2010:

Winner, Runner up and commendations:

Winners and list of all participating schools

Thanks to Targetfollow, at the Pantiles, hosting the event and providing refreshments.

Katharina Mahler-Bech

24 September 2010COMPETITION RESULTS of the 'BEST' CATEGORIES

announced at the Awards Presentation at Salomons on 24 September 2010:

1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place and commendations:

Winners and list of all entrants for 'BEST' categories

Thanks to Salomons, Southborough, hosting the event in the Victorian Science Theatre and providing refreshments.

11 August 2010ANNOUNCEMENT:

A Thank you & debriefing meeting will be held for Contributors, Donators, Organisers, Participants, Sponsors, Supporters and Volunteers in the Town Hall's Council Chambers on Friday 15 October 2010 16:00-18:00.

Thanks to Salamons, Southborough, hosting the event and providing refreshments.

9 August 2010Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom 2010, the 'Best' Competition:

there were 50 participants: 12 front gardens - 5 front patios - 6 community gardens - 7 commercial gardens - 7 streets - 13 planters / baskets.

A big thank you to the judges walking around in the town!

— Cheryl Clark, Paul Cummins, Christine Davies, Mike McGeary, Barbara Simmons, Vickie Gorst, Ronen Basu, David Scully, Heather Wexham, Julie Padbury, Leslie Herriot.

24 July 2010Judging of the nine participating Primary Schools took place on Monday 19 July and Tuesday 20 July 2010 (Christine Davies, Katharina Mahler-Bech, Christopher Thomas)

Awards Presentation (nominatation of the Winner and the Runner-up) for the Schools will be held at the Pantiles, Corn Exchange, on Saturday 25 September 2010 15:00.

3 July 2010ANNOUNCEMENT:

As most volunteering judges for Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom have time in the week of 19 July 2010, the judging period is postponed.

(Orignally the judging period was announced between 5 July and 16 July.)

Awards Presentation for the 'Best' categories will take place at Salomons on Friday 24 September 2010 15:00.

(Orignally announced for Friday 17 September 2010.)

24 June 2010REMINDER:

Monday 28 June 2010 is closing date for returning competition entry forms!!


Appendix B

– Organisation ChartMain Committee

Chair – Ronen Basu

Treasurer – Paul Meek

Secretary – Sue Latham

Community – David Sculley

Competition/Marketing– Katharina Bech

Route – Mel Henley

Advisory Member – Catherine Mayhew

Sub Committee:

The Route

Chair – Mel Henley

Members:

Edwin Burgess

Tony Ewins

Sub Committee:

Community Involvement

Chair – David Sculley

Members:

Ronen Basu

KHWP:

Jason Adams

Friends of Dunorlan:

Diana Lamb

Sub Committee:

Competition/Marketing

Chair – Katharina Bech

Members:

Christine Davies

Sue Latham

Paul Meek


Documents

Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom - South East in Bloom Portfolio 2011