Women’s Institute Joins In With Tamworth In Bloom 2015

Tamworth is teaming up with the Women’s Institute (WI) for the 2015 In Bloom campaign – as the borough goes for gold for the sixth year running.

This year’s campaign continues the commemoration of the First World War. The WI was founded in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the war and this year’s Tamworth in Bloom campaign will work with the local WI to mark their centenary.

As part of Tamworth’s partnership with the WI for this year’s In Bloom campaign, there will be a 1915 ‘Bake Off’, with Tamworth cooks challenged to produce a dish from 100 years ago, on the theme of growing and preserving food from that era.

The WI will support and judge the 1915-style bake-off – and can even point budding bakers to a source of help and inspiration. The WI has created a cookbook to celebrate its centenary, featuring 100 of the best-loved recipes from members nationwide. The cookbook can be ordered from the WI website.

A new rose bed on a WI theme and featuring the WI’s own centenary ‘Inspiration’ rose will be created in the Castle Grounds, the WI will created a display for the Tourist Information Centre showing their origins and work over the last 100 years and members will be available at the Alms Houses on Tamworth in Bloom judging day.

Tamworth is on a floral high, after last year taking gold for the fifth year running in the regional Heart of England in Bloom campaign and being awarded silver gilt in the national Britain in Bloom competition.

Now other groups, communities, businesses and individuals across Tamworth are being encouraged to get involved to help make the borough come alive. Everyone in Tamworth – especially those along the judging route – is being invited to do their bit for this year’s campaign, even if that’s just by putting up a hanging basket.

Businesses are being invited to get involved by sponsoring a display, with banners, planters, troughs and flowerbeds are all available for branding with the names of supporting companies.

Tamworth in Bloom Champion, Cllr Michelle Thurgood, said: “We are delighted to be joining with the WI this year to continue with our First World War commemorations and to mark the WI’s centenary.

“The 1915 bake-off is a great way for people to get involved in this year’s Tamworth in Bloom campaign, as it is not just about the flowers – it’s about working with and celebrating the groups, organisations and individuals in the borough, and doing our bit to make Tamworth a place to be proud of.”

Tamworth in Bloom Chairman John Garner said: “We are thrilled that Tamworth was recognised on the national stage last year when we won silver gilt in the Britain in Bloom campaign and hope that even more people will get involved in helping to make Tamworth bloom again this year.”

To get involved in this year’s Tamworth In Bloom campaign or for more information on sponsorship packages, contact Environmental Management on 01827 709445 or email [email protected]