Starter pack

Britain in Bloom - Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society Communities improving local environments

Britain in Bloom is the largest horticultural campaign in Europe and each year involves hundreds of enthusiastic communities UK- wide, from the smallest village to the largest city, all making lasting improvements to their local environments through horticultural good practice, environmental friendliness, community involvement and sustainability. Contact us for more information on how to make your community bloom.

80 Vincent Square London SW1P 2PE T: 020 7821 3040 E: [email protected]

Registered Charity No. 222879

For an alternative format of this leaflet please call 020 7821 3000, textphone 1800 1020 7834 4333 or email: [email protected]

www.rhs.org.uk/britaininbloom/ 2

Introduction

This Starter Pack is designed to tell you how Communities involved see the campaign works, whom to contact for advice and guidance, and how they might help many benefits? to get your ‘in Bloom’ group started. It also • Brighter, cleaner and greener local areas Contents gives you an insight into what the judges will • Increased civic pride as people engage with their be looking for when they visit your entry, and Introduction 2 local surroundings and get involved with planning ways to let them know about other projects and management of the local environment undertaken throughout the year. Finally there • A boost to the local economy through increased How does the campaign work? 3 is advice on how to apply for grants and tourism and enabling shops to stay open instead of funding, and how to secure sponsorship. A schematic representation of the campaign 5 closing due to lack of customers We at the Royal Horticultural Society, and each • Regeneration of run-down, neglected or How to grow a successful entry 6 region/nation ‘in Bloom’ committee, would like disadvantaged areas you to join us, so that together, we can make • Co-operation between community groups for the Where to focus your energy? 8 Britain more beautiful today and for the future. benefit of all residents • A way to get to know the people in your community Environmental friendliness and sustainability 9 and have some fun. Why should you get The judging process 11 involved?

Fudraising opportunities 12 By taking part in the ‘in Bloom’, you can breathe new life into your local area by encouraging everyone in How to get funding 13 your community, young and old alike, to take pride in where they live, and to understand that they have a Some possible sources of funding 15 valuable contribution to make.

How to involve the media 16

Case Studies 19

Contacts 21 3 4

How does the campaign work?

Local Participation UK Finals Participation About Britain in Bloom Most communities begin by organising a range of Each year your region/nation is able to nominate Britain in Bloom began over 42 years ago and since events, projects and activities that involve local people, successful entries to represent them in the Britain in it started, has blossomed into the largest horticultural the Town or Parish Council (or other local authority), Bloom UK Finals, alongside other communities from campaign in Europe. Every year hundreds of businesses, community groups and volunteers. These across the UK (the number of entries nominated enthusiastic communities throughout the UK, from activities may include group litter picks, bulb planting depends on the total number of entries participating the smallest village to the largest city, take part in the days and projects with local schools. in your area). The Britain in Bloom UK Finals are run by campaign. Each community shares a common goal: to the Royal Horticultural Society. make lasting improvements to their local environments. Local competitions might be used to motivate people To make sure that standards are maintained, this stage The Britain in Bloom campaign focuses on four to participate. Categories may include the best front of RHS Britain in Bloom judging takes place in August core pillars; horticultural enthusiasm, environmental garden, best sunflower grown in a pot and the best the year after an entry qualifies. For example, an entry friendliness, sustainable development and community shop frontage. nominated to represent their region/nation in 2006 will involvement. be judged for the UK-wide judging in 2007. Regional/National Britain in Bloom is not simply floral displays and making Winners of the UK Finals judging are announced at a local areas look good for judging day. It is also very much Participation prestigious awards ceremony in September each year. about achieving sustained improvements year-round. Your local community will then enter the regional/ Categories range from small villages to large cities and national ‘in Bloom’ campaign within the appropriate include urban and coastal categories. Imaginative seasonal and permanent planting of category, which is based on the Electoral roll. For (See page 22 for larger version) flowers, shrubs and trees is a large part of the campaign example, small village, village, or large village. The UK along with appropriate landscaping, conservation is divided into 12 English regions plus , , The region/nation ‘in Bloom’ judging normally happens Champion of Champions projects, recycling and cleanliness initiatives to reduce , , and . in June/July, with the winners announced at award litter, graffiti and vandalism. presentations in August/September. Selected UK Finalist entries that have consistently While these regions/nations are not all administered in achieved a Gold Award are given the title of Reference the same way, they do have similar structures in place In some areas judging also occurs in spring. Entries Town. They are invited by the Britain in Bloom judges to Please refer to the diagram on the next page for further to enable them to receive entries from villages, towns, are judged using set criteria against other entries of a compete in this special category as part of the UK Finals. clarification on the campaign’s structure. urban communities and cities within their area. similar size.

For information on the judging process in your region/ European Participation

nation, please contact your Co-ordinator (details on Each year two entries from the Britain in Bloom page 21). UK Finals are invited by the RHS Britain in Bloom judging panel to represent the UK in Entente Florale, the European horticultural campaign, alongside communities from 11 other European countries. 5 6 A schematic representation How to grow a of the campaign successful entry

The aim of this section is to give your group tips, Step 4 hints and assistance on how to bring your entry to life and keep it flourishing in the future. Let your local community know what is happening and The UK Finals judging panel nominate two ask them for support. European Entente Participation Britain in Bloom UK Finalist communities Once you and your community get started, you’ll • Announce that you are intending to put together Florale to represent the UK in the European Finals form your own ideas for improving your local area an ‘in Bloom’ entry to celebrate how great your where 11 countries participate for the benefit of local people. However here are community is, and how you want to improve its some pointers to help you on your way: potential. Consider sending out a leaflet to all homes in the area, giving a talk to existing community or residents’ groups, or including some information in your place of worship or school newsletter. Seek residents’ opinions on how they think the area could Britain in Bloom High performing entries from each of the Step 1 be improved or how they could get involved. UK Finals UK Final 18 nations/regions compete in the Britain Contact your regional/national ‘in Bloom’ Co-ordinator (Organised by the • Put up posters in your local shops and supermarkets, Participation in Bloom UK Finals (each year this is (details on page 21). Royal Horticultural Society approximately 60 communities in total) in libraries, leisure and community centres, in places of worship and village halls and on notice boards. Step 2 • Ask local traders, pubs, hotels and other businesses to Regional/national “in Bloom” committees get involved. Finton-on-Sea Form an action group. This could just start with in Bloom nominate entries to represent them in the Britain in Bloom UK Finals (based on numbers you, however the best results are achieved when an • Let your local authority know about your intentions. in Bloom participating at regional/national level) enthusiastic local action committee is formed to organise They will often be willing to assist in one way or the entry jointly. Also by involving more people you will another – they may even have some funding or get to know others in your community, share knowledge resources to offer. and experience, and spread the workload! An action Local “in Bloom” Groups participate • Contact your local newspapers, radio and television, Region/Nation group can encourage participation across a wide sector within their national/regional and give them details of how people can join in. Regional/National “in Bloom” “in Bloom” campaign (18 “in Bloom” of the community, attract support and sponsorship, and (Tips on dealing with the media are available on Participation e.g. Anglia in Bloom campaigns run across the UK) keep an eye on standards and progress. Think about page 16). involving your local Town or Parish Councillors, volunteer organisations, local businesses, residents, schools and • Involve the young people in your community. local garden enthusiasts. They may be able to ‘adopt a spot’, taking on the responsibility for its planting, cleanliness and maintenance. Ask if it would be possible to work in Step 3 partnership with your local schools to tie in some Finton-on-Sea of the work being done in your projects with their Norwich in Bloom Put together an action plan. This will help you decide in Bloom National Curriculum requirements (For example in what projects you want to do, how they will make a the areas of wildlife and conservation). Bury St. Edmunds difference to your environment, and how you will go Local in Bloom about them (including maintenance plans). Participation

Please note that Anglia in Bloom has been used as an example of one of the 18 regregional/nationalional/national “i“inn BBloom”loom” ccommittees.ommittees. 7 8

Where to focus your energy?

This will also help to promote an understanding of everyone’s responsibilities for our environment and Step 5 The Four Core Pillars Horticultural Enthusiasm the plants and animals within it. Develop a fundraising plan to help you succeed in The whole of the ‘in Bloom’ campaign focuses around Horticulture is at the heart of the ‘in Bloom’ campaign, The RHS Education Department runs a free Schools financing your projects. You can generate money by the four core pillars of: and this section looks at using best practices to grow Membership scheme to support all those using the having events like open gardens days, raffles and car plants to the highest possible standards. It is also ‘outdoor classroom’ to help deliver the National boot sales or by attracting sponsorship or benefits Horticultural enthusiasm about using horticulture in appropriate ways, especially Curriculum. For more information go to in kind from local businesses. More information on Community involvement floral displays. We don’t want your group to alter the www.rhs.org.uk/learning funding is given on page 12. character of your village – if displays help to enhance Environmental friendliness • It’s not all about flowers! Start a clean-up project in the area use them. If not, then concentrate on other Sustainability an area that attracts litter and graffiti, and look into ‘greening-up’ projects. both soft and hard landscaping options. Step 6 For more information and tips about each of these The RHS publishes a very helpful series of advisory • Encourage your supporters to keep their own Leave no stone unturned and stay positive – it takes pillars, ask your regional/national Co-ordinator to put leaflets under the banner of ‘Conservation and frontages neat and tidy, where possible using plants time to raise awareness of what you are trying to do you in touch with some well-established entries near Environmental Guidelines’, which cover a wide range of and shrubs to help you improve the whole area. and to start seeing results. By entering your regional/ you. You may even be able to arrange a visit to meet relevant gardening issues. For more information contact: • Promote sustainable planting by recommending and national 'in Bloom' campaign, you become part of a up and exchange ideas. The Science Department using a range of plants, shrubs and trees that do much larger Britain in Bloom community, making a Royal Horticultural Society not have to be watered daily and support wildlife valuable contribution and taking pride in your local The Royal Horticultural Society and the regions/nations RHS Garden Wisley habitats. environment. have a wealth of useful information available via their websites: www.rhs.org.uk/britaininbloom Wisley, Woking • Carry out work on behalf of older residents and at GU23 6QB retirement homes. (see page 21 for regional/national websites) Tel: 01483 224234 • Create a competition (for example the best kept front Email: [email protected] garden) – a bit of healthy rivalry will help to generate better results. www.rhs.org.uk/learning/research/conservation_and_ environment.asp There may also be an agricultural or horticultural college near you that you could contact and get to know a gardening expert, who may be able to offer advice on particular projects. Also consult your local authority, library and tourism office to find out about any local gardening groups that you could get in touch with to ask for assistance.

Community Involvement We have already covered community involvement in the ‘How to grow a successful entry’ section, however it’s worth mentioning again that the Bloom campaign aims to make lasting improvements to local areas for everyone to enjoy; young and old, residents and visitors, as well as for future generations. 9 10

Environmental friendliness There are several simple techniques groups can use Water-wise Gardening Conservation care and organic gardening which are environmentally friendly: Water is a precious resource and we should do our best Wherever possible, use plants that are native to Britain. and sustainability Composting to use it carefully. Those of us with water-meters have In general, native species support more wildlife than Sustainability and sustainable development aims to give an added incentive to be careful. imported and exotic species. Early spring bulbs are Composting is the production of useful nutritious everyone a good quality of life today, whilst ensuring important sources of nectar for insects and similarly material for plant growth obtained from organic waste, Sprinklers use a huge amount of water and a lot of that the environment we leave behind supports at seed heads, shrubs and berries provide food for birds. such as from the kitchen and garden. It can be done water is wasted. A strategically placed water butt will least as good a quality of life for future generations. Leaving log piles will provide hibernation sites for frogs, on an individual household basis or via a community collect the rain for free as it falls. Lawn grasses will It means that when choices, decisions and plans are toads and hedgehogs. scheme. It reduces the amount of waste going into survive without water for long periods, even if they made, we need to consider the economic, social and landfill sites, with cost savings to the local authority, go brown. Letting grass grow a little longer in the Most gardens will have a quiet corner where it is environmental needs of the area as a whole, and the and ultimately to the householder through local taxes. summer will also help it stay green, and only water possible to build a nest box for birds or a bat box. possible impact. Community composting has the added advantages of a plants around the root where it is needed. Their presence can enhance your enjoyment of the larger scale, and provides an opportunity for those who garden and is a source of delight for children. Moisture can be kept in the soil by mulching. This do not have gardens to participate. In the beginning, your ‘in Bloom’ activities will face means covering the soil with a layer of sustainable, Organic gardening avoids using chemicals that harm opportunities and challenges that can have impact on Before going ahead with a community composting non-chemically treated organic matter (such as bark some wildlife, contaminate the food chain and pollute the environment. We sincerely hope that your group scheme, be sure to check with your local authority chippings, compost or manure), gravel or even plastic watercourses. By avoiding the use of chemical pesticides will choose to adopt environmentally friendly practices regarding waste management in your area. Under sheeting to prevent water from evaporating. This has you can attract creatures such as ladybirds, centipedes, wherever possible, including recycling and reusing certain circumstances a community compost licence may the added value of keeping weeds down. frogs, toads, newts, bats and hedgehogs, which will waste materials. be required. feed on garden pests. Organically grown vegetables are Water plants early in the morning or in the evening generally considered to be better tasting and healthier, as Compost is also a very good alternative to peat and to when it is cooler so that water does not evaporate in well as promoting a balanced, natural ecosystem. peat-based growing mixtures. Peat should be avoided the heat of the day. Some plants need less water than wherever practical, as the extraction of peat is destroying others; plants that can tolerate dry periods include For further information contact: the remaining bog land environments and wildlife geraniums, lavender, grey-leafed plants, rosemary, ivy, Garden Organic habitats, putting certain plants and wildlife at risk. sedums and other succulents. HDRA – Ryton Organic Gardens CV8 3LG Tel: 024 7630 3517 For further information please contact: For further information and advice on saving water Email: [email protected] contact your local water company or go to The Community Composting Network www.hdra.org.uk 67 Alexandra Road, , S2 3EE www.rhs.org.uk/Learning/research/conservation_and_ www.recycle-more.co.uk will inform you where your Tel: 0114 2580483 environment_water.asp nearest recycling facility is, and also provide guidance Email: [email protected] on all aspects of recycling. www.othas.org.uk

WRAP – Waste & Resource Action Programme The Old Academy, 21 Horse Fair, Banbury, Oxon OX16 0AH Tel: 0808 100 2040 Email: [email protected] www.wrap.org.uk/

Or go to: www.rhs.org.uk/research 11 12 Fundraising The Judging Process Opportunities

The ‘in Bloom’ is a year-round campaign, however You will need some money to get your projects The DSC publishes a range of useful publications Section B - Permanent landscaping, the judges will generally visit your community on started, and the amount you require will depend including: including shrubs (25%) one particular day, which will be arranged with on what you want to do! You may need money to • The Complete Fund-raising Handbook £16.95 you in advance. Judging takes place between late Looks at the design and quality of shrubs, trees, borders, publish a newsletter, for materials to tidy up a piece June and early August, with some regions/nations grasses and other permanent plantings in village green of land or to purchase some well-needed gardening • Tried and Tested Ideas for local fundraising events also judging in the spring. Please speak with your spaces (for example grass verges and ponds), and at the equipment. Raffles and car boot sales are good ways £14.95 regional/national Co-ordinator for further details standard of appropriate maintenance. of raising small amounts, but for bigger projects you (contact details on pg 21). may need to apply for a donation or a grant. Fundraising UK Ltd Section C - Conservation and Recycling (15%) www.fundraising.co.uk Before you set about raising money, decide what you Regional/national ‘in Bloom’ judges are highly Looks at the ways in which your group has used want it for. If it is your intention to clean up a piece This organisation hosts a helpful website linking to many experienced volunteers who dedicate their time to innovative ideas to create a positive impact on different of land, then you may want to apply to local firms to potential sources of grants and information about them. visit entries and carry out assessments. At the Britain in areas of the community. This section considers things donate money or equipment. It may be useful to find Bloom UK Finals, judges are selected and co-ordinated such as management of natural areas (for example someone who works for a local firm or to put an advert by the Royal Horticultural Society. hedgerows, woodlands, riverbanks etc), planting in a local paper. Fund Finder Judges use marking sheets that are tailor made for each for wildlife and biodiversity and appropriate on-site www.fundfinder.org.uk category based on size. Every entry is judged across five information (such as notice boards or signage). Obtaining money through grants is more complicated. This is a computer programme that is a short cut for sections, with marks awarded for successfully meeting It also looks at domestic and garden waste There are many sources of funding for the activities you overworked fundraisers! You type in the characteristics criteria within each section. To get a good result, you management (for example kerbside recycling and want to do. There is money available from Europe, local of your project (such as how much you are applying need to maximise your potential within each section. composting), community involvement to encourage UK government, grant making trusts, private sector for) and it prints out a list. You then need to look up Following the judging and allocation of marks, recycling to save natural resources (such as conserving companies, local authorities and other award schemes. directories for the addresses and further details, so you all entries will receive an achievement award as water) and the involvement of young people in the They have at least one grant programme for a specific may need to buy these directories as well. However recognition of the standard reached (bronze, silver, community as appropriate. purpose: some give large grants for major projects and many local authorities and larger voluntary groups have silver gilt or gold). some give small grants that would be appropriate if this programme, and will let community groups and you want to buy tools, plants and other items. others use it. Section D - Local Environmental Quality (20%) Most regions/nations use the UK Finals judging criteria. This section focuses on the cleanliness of your local The five sections are: Alternatively you may wish to focus on a more local area and the absence of litter, dog fouling, graffiti, There are several books available to help and guide you level. It might be useful to think of businesses or fly-posting, weeds in hard landscaped areas and the in making a successful application. You can check if organisations in your area that would be appropriate condition of street furniture. Steps taken to encourage your local library has any or you may wish to contact - Floral Displays (30%) to contact. You can look through Yellow Pages, a Section A community involvement to improve cleanliness will also the following organisations: local business directory in the library or even the local Considers the design and quality of floral features and be considered. The Directory of Social Change (DSC) newspapers. Make a list of all the ones you think might displays such as hanging baskets, bedding schemes 24 Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2DP be useful. and tubs and containers. It also considers standards of Tel: 020 7391 4800 maintenance (including lawned areas), evidence of spring Section E - Public Awareness (10%) Email: [email protected] displays and autumn colours, residential and community Publicity and promotion of your group and the wider www.dsc.org.uk gardens and involvement by local businesses. Britain in Bloom campaign is important and needs to be considered. The communication of information via methods such as posters, leaflets, websites, newsletters, calendars and via media coverage will be considered, as will fund-raising and sponsorship efforts. 13 14

How to get funding

• Include any other additional funding you may already Step 1 Step 4 Step 6 have secured or have been pledged Decide on your project/projects and consider how Put together a short description of your group or Don’t forget your group’s own efforts – car boot sales, • List any local celebrities or well known characters who much money you require and what resources you will committee and outline who you are and what you are jumble sales, coffee morning and other sponsored are supporting you need. Remember add in all the costs involved or you intending to achieve. Try to think from the businesses’ events are tried and tested fund-raisers. They also have may end up short of money! point of view about what you can offer them and how • Clearly outline the outcome benefits of your the advantage of binding the community together for a they might benefit. activities to the sponsoring business and how they common purpose. can be acknowledged. Don’t forget to include PR opportunities. As an alternative to donating money Step 2 businesses may be willing to donate material or Finally, don’t be afraid to aim high. It’s amazing Step 5 Make a list of all the businesses and organisations you services, in return for publicity what can be achieved with a bit of enthusiasm and would like to approach, and then prioritise the list in Make your approach. Try to be factual and understand teamwork! • If you are submitting a financial report showing how order of the ones you think might help you the most. your objectives before you make the phone call or write you would spend the money, check the figures to One of the best ways of funding local projects is to the letter. avoid any embarrassing mistakes build up relationships within your local area. Some Here are a few tips and hints to consider when you are organisations such as B&Q or banks will allocate funds • Keep copies of whatever you send to a potential ready to approach a sponsor: from their local branches. sponsor • During the initial call make sure you either talk to • Seek feedback on any failed bids or applications; or have the name of the person who can make the this is a useful way of improving and making a more sponsorship or funding decision Step 3 appropriate case next time. • Give the name of your group and its status (i.e. Find out the right contact person or department to whether you are a voluntary group or a charity) discuss your needs. For example your local authority may together with the main contact details be particularly active in the environmental field and may be willing to work with you and even provide funds. • Describe the purpose of your work with aims and objectives • Show a timetable of work and when the likely date of completion will be • Mention any special events you might have planned • State clearly the amount of money or goods/services you are asking for 15 16 How to involve Some possible sources of funding the media

Landfill Tax Credit Scheme Heritage Lottery Fund Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts Big Lottery Fund Press, radio and television are very important in If you want to place an advertisement: Purpose: To encourage the use of Purpose: To support a wide range of This umbrella group operates the Purpose: The fund distributes spreading the message of the ‘in Bloom’. As much more sustainable waste projects involving the local, following: money from The National • Think well ahead – the paper has to have time to management practices, regional and national heritage • The Hanson Environment Fund Lottery through a variety publicity as possible is needed to encourage people including recycling, and to of the UK. www.hansonenvfund.org of programmes such as prepare your advertisement deliver lasting environmental Range: Various depending on project ‘People and Places’ (Wales) throughout the UK to get involved. and community benefits. • Biffaward and ‘Reaching Communities’ Contact: 7 Holbein Place www.biffaward.org • Plan what you want to say and roughly how you Range: Various depending on project (England). New programmes When planning an event, tell your local newspaper all London SW1W 8NR • Cred Programme are being developed so check want your advertisement to look Contact: ENTRUST (The Environmental Tel: 020 7591 6000 www.cred.rswt.org the website for details. about it. Events involving a large number of people or Trust Scheme Regulatory Body Ltd) Fax: 020 7591 6001 • Seed Programme Range: Various depending on project a particular ‘newsworthy’ idea may also interest your • Keep it short and to the point. Space costs money! Acre House Email: [email protected] www.seed.rsnc.org Contact: Head Office 2 Town Square, Sale 1 Plough Place local radio or television station. Web: www.hlf.org.uk Range: Various • Include date, time, venue and contact names and Cheshire M33 7W2 London EC4A 1DE Contact: Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts numbers Email: [email protected] The Kilm, Waterside Tel: 0845 410 2030 The following guidelines will help to ensure you talk to Web: www.entrust.org.uk B&Q Better Neighbour Grant Mather Road Email: the right person and get your message across in the Newark NG24 1WT [email protected] • Check costs – advertisements are measured in single Purpose: To enable community groups most effective way. to undertake improvement Tel: 0870 036 1000 Web: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk column centimetres. Local Heritage Initiative projects. Email: [email protected] Purpose: To help local groups Range: Store goods and materials to NB. Local newspapers often have free “What’s on” investigate, explain and care Web: www.rsnc.org the value of £300. for their local landscape. WALES columns which advertise details of events from small Contact: The Environmental Officer or Range: £3,000 - £15,000 to cover up Newspapers Store Manager at you local Community Fund Enfys Grant Scheme groups. National newspapers and Teletext also run to 60% of total project costs B&Q store Purpose: To support charities, voluntary Purpose: Aims to support community Contact: LHI Information Newspapers usually have two main departments guides. Some of these may ask for a small charge. Web: www.dyi.com and community groups led initiatives and enable The Acorn Centre throughout the UK and UK disadvantaged communities to – Advertising and News/Editorial 51 High Street agencies working abroad. To develop large scale funding. Grimethorpe help meet the needs of those Barnsley S72 7BB New Opportunities Fund Contact: New Opportunities Advertising at greatest disadvantage (Welsh Fund) News/Editorial Purpose: Applications are welcome Tel: 01242 521 381 in society and to improve 13th Floor, Capital Tower, from local community groups, Advertising costs money but the message you wish Email: [email protected] the quality of life in the Greyfriars Road voluntary organisations, The Newsroom at your local paper will usually be community. CF10 3AG to promote is guaranteed to appear on the day you Web: www.lhi.org.uk not-for-profit community pleased to hear of your activities and events involving businesses and local Range: Varied depending on project. Tel: 0870 607 1666 choose. News will appear free and features nearly authorities in partnership Contact: UK Office Email [email protected] people within their readership area, particularly as Co-op Community Dividend with community groups. 1 Plough Place always appear free, but these will only be used if the Priority is placed on helping London EC4A 1DE Web: www.wcva.org.uk you are helping to improve the local environment. Purpose: To enable self-help, voluntary disadvantaged communities editorial staff decides to include it. Unfortunately you Tel: 020 7842 4000 Sometimes they will send a photographer and/or a or co-operative groups to and projects that actively cannot ‘book’ news or a photograph, only suggest you undertake a range of schemes involve local people Email: Welsh Church Fund reporter to attend an event, but some, especially local including tree planting. [email protected] may have an event worth featuring. making a real difference Purpose: Formerly the Dyfed Welsh free papers, are often run on a shoestring budget so Range: £100 - £5,000 to their environment and Web: www.community-fund.org.uk Churches Fund, the Welsh Contact: Head Office Co-operative to their quality of life. The Church fund is available in a Advertising may be helpful to you if you want people this is far from guaranteed. If you can provide good Group (CWS) Limited projects should promote number of areas within Wales. sustainability and local to attend or take part in an event you are organising. written copy (a press release) and provide a picture, PO Box 53 BTCV People’s Places Award Scheme Grants are given to help New Century House economic development and towards the advancement of Purpose: Open to community groups You can either take out an advertisement on your this will give you a better chance of coverage. It is M60 4ES demonstrate they have lasting education and religion, the in rural and urban areas across benefits for communities. relief of poverty, libraries, own, or choose an ‘advertorial’. The newspaper always worth thinking: “Is what I’m talking about Tel: 0161 834 1212 England. If offers individuals Range: Various depending on project museums and other purposes a chance to make a difference Web: www.co-op.co.uk beneficial to the community. will give you some editorial space free in return for newsworthy enough?” If not, could it be part of a Contact: 1 Plough Place to their community by London EC4A 1DE transforming a derelict, Range: Various supporting advertisements from a group of individuals useful feature? One of the best ways of ensuring underused or unsightly Awards For All Tel: 0207 211 1800 Contact: Community Grants & or businesses. media coverage is to keep in regular contact with the building or area of land into External Funding Purpose: To help fund projects that Email: an environmental community environmental correspondent, who tends to write both [email protected] Carmarthenshire County involve people in their resource and involving local Council news and features. community; bringing them Web: www.nof.org.uk people in its sustainable Business Resource Centre together to enjoy arts, development. Parc Amanwy, New Road sports, heritage and other Range: Various depending on project Ammanford SA18 3ED community activities. Contact: People’s Places Unit Tel: 01554 742182 Range: £500 - £5,000 BTCV, Conservation Centre Email Contact: 1st Floor, 1 Plough Place 163 Balby Road, Doncaster, [email protected] London EC4A 1DE South , DN4 0RH Tel: 0845 600 2040 or Tel: 01491 821 621 020 7842 4020 Email: [email protected] Web: www.awardsforall.org.uk SCOTLAND Web: www.btcv.org/ppawards Forward Scotland Purpose: For projects aimed specifically for community benefit. Range: Up to £500 Contact: Forward Scotland 6th Floor, Portcullis House 21 India Street Glasgow G2 4PZ Tel: 0141 222 5600 Email: [email protected] Web: www.forward-scotland.org.uk 17 18

• Be sure to acknowledge any donations or sponsorship Some tips if you are contacting the newsroom to If you want a reporter or photographer to attend an Local radio and television you have secured and perhaps offer a sponsor quote run a story: event: If you think your event will be of interest to radio • Another obvious one – always finish the release by • Contact the newsroom or ask for ‘reporters’. Ideally • Consider when you want the reporter to be there. It and television, many of the editorial guidelines for writing ‘Ends’ at the bottom, or if you are using a do this a couple of days prior to the event may make a more interesting story or photograph newspapers listed above apply. In particular: second sheet include ‘More follows’ at the bottom of when you have something to show and talk about, • Make sure your ‘news’ sounds interesting and is worthy • Give at least a couple of days notice to the newsroom sheet one. not when you are just starting the event of attention. Explain it in as few words as possible • Be concise and interesting in what you have to say • Include a main contact name and phone number in • Be prepared to be flexible. If the newspaper cannot • Ensure that a good spokesperson is available for the case a reporter wants more information attend the event why not ‘stage’ something before or • Be prepared to be flexible to fit in with schedules and press to contact (including telephone numbers) after? programme timings • Ensure that the contact person is available. Include • As far as possible, think about general current events mobile numbers wherever possible as often deadlines • Give the reporter/photographer your full attention if • Designate a spokesperson. Make sure they are before issuing the release (for example a news release are tight and a missed call could lose you the they do attend. They have a job to do and deadlines knowledgeable about your group and projects and about London in Bloom during the week of a Royal publicity. to meet and cannot be expected to wait around that they are good presenters. Consider if they are Wedding would get little or no coverage). However the best spokesperson for the campaign? Attach a separate sheet titled ‘Editor’s Information’ if you are able to pin your story to a current event, • Be prepared to write a short report if the newspaper which gives some brief background information on you have much better chance of coverage cannot attend. This will usually be used if sent • Think about whom to target. ‘Talk’ radio is often your group or committee. Link it with the region/ promptly whilst the event is still ‘news’ attractive because they will nearly always want your • Remember deadlines! Find out when your weekly nation ‘in Bloom’ and the UK-wide Britain in Bloom story and they will offer you plenty of airtime to cover it newspaper goes to press (usually Wednesday or • Keep in touch with your press contact. They may be campaign through the Royal Horticultural Society for Thursday) and what time your evening newspaper interested in writing a follow-up piece. • Who is your audience? The five ‘W’s and a real extra recognition. Media information and background goes to print (usually around 10am). If you send a understanding of the radio’s target audience will also on the campaign and the Royal Horticultural Society press release right on deadline, they will not have be essential in gaining radio coverage. can be obtained by contacting the Britain in Bloom time to cover it Press Officer on Tel: 020 7821 3006. • Have the five W’s ready for the reporter: Press releases Finally, keep as many press cuttings of your releases ‘Who’, ‘What’, ‘Why’, ‘Where’ and ‘When’. as possible in an album or scrapbook. It will help We have given you some advice on how to get you with your ‘in Bloom’ entry and is useful when newspapers, radio and television involved with your approaching sponsors, as it shows the level of local entry, and suggest that you keep them involved by coverage you have achieved. issuing regular press releases. To ensure that your press release stands out, we recommend that: • An obvious point, but one that is often overlooked – always write ‘Press Release’ across the top of the page and put the date together with any logo or crest • Include the date to be released (for example ‘For Immediate Release’, or ‘Embargoed until 11 December 2005’) • Get the message across with an eye-catching and punchy headline, typed in bold • The first two paragraphs should cover the five ‘W’s - ‘Why’, ‘What’, ‘Who’, ‘When’ and ‘Where’ • Try to include a quote or testimonial from yourself, a sponsor, a local dignitary, volunteer or celebrity

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Case Studies

Broughshane Garstang (Northern Ireland) (North West) Norah Hoyles, Chairman of Garstang in Bloom says, Broughshane is a large village in Northern Ireland Valerie Blake, Improvement Committee Co-ordinator Garstang is located in northwest Lancashire and has “The Millenium Green attracts over 100 people a day and is a regular participant in the UK Finals run said, “Thanks to our ‘in Bloom’ involvement, we been involved with the ‘in Bloom’ since 1987. Their who use the space for a variety of activities such as by the RHS. The village has used participation in now have thousands of tourists who come to see our ‘in Bloom’ committee involves many community dog walking. Many people are involved with Garstang the Bloom to make their local area a better place horticultural displays each year. Eight additional Bed partnerships and encourages everyone to get in Bloom, such as the high school and primary school for local people. Their ‘in Bloom’ Improvement & Breakfasts have sprung up due to the increase in involved, including pre-school children. children who have created a wet garden, and this Committee has been going for 17 years and has tourists, and visitors going to the Antrim Coast & Glens Garstang in Bloom works on a number of projects helps people take pride in the area. We also encourage completely transformed Broughshane from an now stop and spend money in the village instead of including the Millennium Green, which consists of people to help with litter picks and planting sessions. unknown village, to being probably the best-known driving through. Private businesses have invested over 4.5 acres of land that is managed as a nature and The end of these events are quite social, discussing next floral village in Northern Ireland – “ £3 million in renovations and extensions to businesses conservation site by local people. The area includes week’s activities with a glass of wine." Village Of ”. in the last 10 years, and the only 2 derelict buildings in a series of walks with disabled access, featuring good the village are now being renovated by the community. There is a tremendous sense of community spirit as pictorial signage, seating and supporting leaflets. We are very proud of our achievement in Translink 27 groups work together inclusive of all ages, gender, Training has been provided to volunteers who conduct Ulster in Bloom and Britain in Bloom, and would and religion, disabled and able bodied. As a result, walks for youth groups and the general public, and encourage others to get involved.” everyone in the village has benefited, and lasting undertake hedge planting, hay making and installing partnerships have been formed with the county council. owl boxes and otter ladders. The group is currently designing, with the help of the Countryside Rangers and volunteers, a wildflower garden with sponsorship from Partnership for All. 21 Contacts For more information about the “In Bloom” activities in your region/nation, please contact your relevant Co-ordinator from the following list.

1. Translink Ulster in Bloom T: 01332 679598 Ken Powles E: [email protected] T: 028 9023 1221 www.eastmidlandsinbloom.co.uk E: [email protected] 10. Heart of England in Bloom 2. Beautiful Scotland in Bloom (covering , , , Rachel Nugent Hereford and Worcester, and T: 01463 792449 ) E: [email protected] Jenny Comber www.bsib.org.uk T: 01905 761135 E: [email protected] 3. Wales in Bloom Sheila Lewis 11. South West in Bloom T: 01492 533363 (covering , , , Avon, E: [email protected] and Western ) www.walesinbloom.org.uk Robert Bolt T: 01392 431271 4. Northumbria in Bloom E: [email protected] (covering Northumbria, Tyne & Wear, Durham and Cleveland) 12. Thames and Chilterns in Bloom Paula Darrington (covering , and ) T: 01434 673440 Stanley Bowes E: [email protected] T: 01608 676303 E: [email protected] 5. in Bloom Julia Churchill 13. Anglia in Bloom T: 01768 862306 (covering Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, E: [email protected] Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire) www.cumbria-in-bloom.org.uk Sue Hacon T: 01493 650924 6. Isle of Man in Bloom E: [email protected] Anna Hemy www.angliainbloom.co.uk T: 01624 686733 E: [email protected] 14. London in Bloom 15. South East in Bloom 7. North West in Bloom (covering , Surrey and Sussex) (covering Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire 16. South in Bloom and Merseyside) (covering , South Wiltshire, Trevor Leese and Eastern Dorset) T: 01204 468126 Anne Holman E: [email protected] T: 020 8662 1021 www.northwestinbloom.co.uk E: [email protected] www.inbloom.org.uk 8. Yorkshire in Bloom (covering North, West and South Yorkshire, 17. Guernsey in Bloom East Riding of Yorkshire, North and North East Valerie Mahy Lincolnshire) T: 01481 234567 Patience Hibbert E: [email protected] T: 01909 779730 www.floralguernsey.gg E: [email protected] www.yorkshireinbloom.co.uk 18. Jersey in Bloom Donna le Marrec 9. in Bloom T: 01534 500732 (covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, E: [email protected] Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland) Irene Bates