AS reported in the Halstead Gazette last week, it is with great pleasure that we can say that Halstead is a Gold Award-winning town, is the Best Town in Anglia in Bloom and is the Best Overall Entry in Anglia in Bloom 2016.

What honours for the town!

The trophies are on show in the town council office at the moment and if you view them you will note that all of the awards come to HALSTEAD, not Halstead in Bloom.

So if you’ve picked up a piece of litter, taken off a dead head, reported some defect then YOU have contributed to Halstead’s success, thank you.

There are those who strive hard to make sure that Halstead looks great all year round, and we have to thank the Street Scene Team and the Parks and Landscape Team at Braintree District Council for all their hard work and assistance – Halstead was nominated in the environmental quality category so this is a testament to their efficient and effective working.

It was great that Halstead Public Gardens was given a Gold Award and named as Best Medium Size Park – a fantastic achievement for such a small team.

We must thank Halstead Town Council for their support and for the employees and officers who take care of areas that the volunteers can’t manage.

The watering is vital, especially in the hot dry summer we’ve had this year and Jason and Tim take on this task ever year.

We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our sponsors who give us financial and also sponsorship in kind each year.

They are too numerous to mention, but we do appreciate all your help. We also thank all those who make donations, buy our plants, cakes, calendars, etc. which helps to fund the £10,000 or so we spend on plants each year.

Lastly, but by no means least we thank all those volunteers who give so much time and effort to make Halstead simply the best.

There is a core team of about 35, but many, many more who litter pick, tidy, water, clear and really don’t mind what they do as long as it helps towards the success of the town.

They can be seen in their High Viz vests in all weathers – and usually smiling!

We should just single out Joan Gibson for special thanks as she designs all the floral displays, liaises with our partner nurseries, Colne Valley Nurseries and Bourne Brook Nurseries to make sure that all plants are suitable and happy in their locations – she also organises working parties and has a ‘watering round’ to keep plants healthy.

We are already planning our 2017 campaign, so if you want to help Halstead to further success please just come and join in.

Julia Smith

Halstead in Bloom