From the 6th to the 17th of July, Harborough will be put to the test as part of the East Midlands in Bloom competition. Murphy’s Taxis will be escorting the eagle-eyed judges, making sure each regal rose and perfect privet has its chance to charm. Both key features such as the rose garden in Welland Park and the bountiful flower barrels in St Mary’s place to more subtle hanging baskets outside the train station, have been carefully tended by a team of eager volunteers in the run up to the event. After a decade missing out, Harborough triumphed last year by winning back the Gold Award in the ‘Large Town’ category, and the volunteers are working harder than ever to secure the same success, again.
“It’s taken us ten years to win back the trophy,” explained volunteer Margaret Richards, who has worked with the town’s Bloom team for over ten years. “And we don’t want to give up our crown easily! It’s a good way of keeping fit, and you really make a difference,” she said. “So it’s good for you, and the town. If a place looks cared for, there’s less graffiti and vandalism. A pleasant town to look at brings in shoppers; it brings in businesses; it helps to keep house prices high. So, ultimately, we don’t do all this to win competitions; we do it because we like Market Harborough” she adds.
‘East Midlands in Bloom’ forms part of the national ‘Britain in Bloom’ competition, a non-profit-making event organised by the Royal Horticultural Society. The initiative aims to foster the improvement of local environments through the creative use of trees, flowers, shrubs and just about any grassy verge to uphold the RHS pillars of excellence: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.
The benefits of such an event are boundless. Playing a part in the management of Harborough’s green areas, people can have a direct effect on their hometown. Whether involved in the effort or merely enjoying the cheerful results, a bright, better-kept hometown has renowned positive effects on the mood of a community and is a great source of civic pride. Previously forlorn and neglected areas can be regenerated, voluntary work and community is encouraged, while issues such as sustainability, waste minimising and conservation are addressed. This gives the local economy an enormous boost through increased tourism.
Murphy’s Taxis are proud to support the ‘Harborough in Bloom’ team and their striking horticultural improvements to the town.
With over half a million people moved by Murphys’ last year, Murphy’s Taxis are going places! If you are too, call them on 01858 410210 or 01455 55 9000.