WoTTA meets Hersham-in-Bloom! - April 2017
Joanna Gordon from WoTTA met recently with Mary Sheldon and Mike Whyman, long-time organisers of the very successful Hersham-in-Bloom.

They told the amazing story of how the appearance and vibe of Hersham village was turned around by working with local businesses and a great group of volunteers. Beginning in 2007 they developed a floral display that’s won several awards within the In Bloom competition since it first flowered in 2008 , including Silver-Gilt Awards in 2010 and 2011.

An additional positive effect was that the problems they’d been having with littering vanished as everyone began to take pride in their village
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To be part of RHS Britain-in-Bloom you have to register with the national association but don’t have to take part in the competition.  It’s all about getting the local community working together to improve their town or village.  Walton would be part of South & South-East in Bloom division, just as Hersham is.

Helpful tips from Mary and Mike shared included:
  • Organise watering in pairs in case one volunteer can’t make it
  • Plastic street furniture is a better purchase as it doesn’t rust or rot
  • Design your own bloom logo for your signs
  • Get a metal stake for sponsors logo, rather than attaching it to the planter

If you like working in the fresh air and are interested in volunteering with WoTTA, please get in touch.