AFTER another nine months of meticulous planning and incredible hard work, not helped by previous weeks heavy rains and cool weather, Usk in Bloom were still well prepared last week for the Wales in Bloom judges John Woods and Shona Carle as their volunteers sought to defend their Wales in Bloom Crown that they have won for the last 34 years in the large village category.

A mile-long tour across all of Usk saw the judges meet Usk mayor Councillor Tim Keenan and mayoress Karen Keenan and explore Usk Castle, Usk Church in Wales Junior School, Manor Court retirement complex, the Sessions House as well as seeing the truly stunning Twyn Square floral displays and along the entire length of Bridge Street. The judges saw first hand the work of Usk Environmental Group, allotments the wild flowers at the entrance to Usk as well as the immaculate gardens of Len and Mare Watts and Marion and Bill Powell, which were recently visited by the Duchess of Cornwall .  

Chairman Tony Kear headed the tour party and gave a 15 minute presentation in the Rural Life Museum of the all year around work and future plans. He said: “The weather matched the amazing displays this year and the judges remarked on the significant contribution of the business community working in partnership with the volunteers as well as the high standard of flowers across all of Usk and not confined to the odd street.

“We were very honoured to have been runners up last year in the Britain in Bloom Champions of Champions class and delighted that we have been able to build on that success this summer.  

“All of our volunteers and those who have been involved in some little way can rightfully stand tall and be proud that our long seen high standards have been maintained with such high praise from Tourist sand residents of Usk alike”.  

The results will be announced at the awards ceremony in Prestatyn on 16th September.