The inaugural meeting of Bloomin’ Lichfield took place this January. Bloomin’ Lichfield is a group of enthusiastic councillors, officers, traders and more from across the city, who are committed to driving forwards this year’s entry into the Heart of England in Bloom competition.
Lichfield City entered the competition last year for the first time on a shoestring budget, and we were over the moon to be awarded a coveted Silver Gilt award.
Richard Lewis, from the Chamber of Trade & Commerce, who led last year’s entry, together with Lichfield city and district councils and partners, commented: “We know from cities up and down the country that they spend tens of thousands of pounds to achieve similar results, which just goes to show what real partnership working can do, when you set your mind to it.”
When you consider how attractive the city looked last year, with bunting and red, white and blue hanging baskets, it goes without saying that making the city centre beautiful can have a positive impact on footfall.
At the first meeting lots of ideas were discussed, including a wheelbarrow parade, a theme for this year’s floral displays, such as ‘vintage’ or ‘memories’. The group also identified the partners they need to work with, such as local allotments, recycling teams, traders, parks teams and more. The team is also going to ask if judging can take place on 4 July 2013, to coincide with Lichfield’s Farmers’ Market, and we’ll be asking traders to join in and decorate their stalls for judging day.
The date of the next meeting is 6 February 2013. If you are interested in joining the group, or in sponsoring this year’s
entry, please email Richard Lewis at lewis_rm@yahoo.co.uk
