USK in Bloom’s volunteers were hoping it was going to be third time lucky during their 35th anniversary year as they trekked six hours to Sunderland to be part of The Britain in Bloom annual awards ceremony on Friday.

At a gala dinner with 380 other volunteers from across the UK, the prized ‘Champion of Champions’ category was the last on the award list and long awaited anticipation turned to disappointment as the tiny village of Norton in Hales pipped Usk into second place.  All six section finalists, which included Usk, Bath, Truro, Filby and Market Bosworth achieved the coveted Gold Standard.  

Chairman of Usk In Bloom, Tony Kear said: “It has been a remarkable summer for  Usk, where bloom fever has taken off during our 35th anniversary year. The town and the Usk in Bloom volunteers have indeed been honoured to be the first ever Welsh community to be invited to take part in the Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions category so soon after the royal visit last summer of HRH the Duchess of Cornwall.

“With no guaranteed funding at the start of each spring, local businesses and volunteers have joined forces to help add more displays and make Usk a more and more desirable place for visitors to admire.  

“In times of council cuts, to see residents take “Your Street in Bloom” to the next level by sweeping streets, litter picking and weed pulling has been so heart warming.  We have been honoured by the visit and support of Wales’ First Minister who recognised the economic benefit that volunteers can bring. To come so close again for the third year in a row has been tantalisingly frustrating.”

The judges praised a highly professional presentation of the town and commented that “Usk represents everything that Bloom stands for and is a great ambassador for Wales in Bloom and for the wider Bloom movement.”

The wild flowers outside the school, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Martin and Andrea Scholl of Bridge Street’s cafe Number 49, was singled out for particular praise and described as “stunning”.

The judges also said “seldom do we meet such a knowledgable and enthusiastic group of children than those at Usk Church in Wales School, who were only too eager to talk about their work,” and the judges also felt they were privileged to see the private gardens of Marion Powell and neighbour Len and Marie Watts - who have won the best front garden in Wales in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

The economic benefit of Usk in Bloom was highlighted by the judges with a discretionary nomination for a tourism award.

“Finally I would like to thank everyone from residents to Usk businesses and sponsors who have supported our work this year.  It’s been a long hard campaign.”

But news of the team’s success was dampened by the sad news of the passing of one Usk in Bloom’s most fervent and long-standing supporters Mr Mike Key, pictured below - landlord of the Nags Head in Twyn Square where the major auction fund raising event is held each year and is regarded as the group’s spiritual home.

Tony Kear said: "Mike was instrumental in setting up the auction some 30 years ago  and the enormous amount raised each year without which the floral displays that bedeck Usk each year simply wouldn’t happen.  Our sympathies are extended to Margaret, Simon, Susan and family."  The newly installed wishing well in Twyn Square will be dedicated to his memory.