Has St. Helier got the greenest fingers of them all?

Sunday 06 August 2017

Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have been patrolling the streets of St Helier admiring floral displays and learning about the parish's history and community projects, as part of the Britain in Bloom competition.

St. Helier is among the four finalists in the ‘Large Coastal Town’ category with Deal (Kent), Newquay (Cornwall) and Llandudno (Wales).

St. Helier floral displays were the main point of scrutiny for the two judges, Glenn Dale and David Jamieson. But the floral experts duo also examined the cleanliness of the streets and open spaces and enquiries about the town centre heritage and the involvement of local schools and community groups.

The visit started at the Town Hall with a short presentation from the Constable Simon Crowcroft and volunteers who have been responsible for the Parish’s entry. Rachael Fay from the West of Town Community Association told the judges about Le Val Andre, the new area of woodland which was recently added to Westmount Woods. She explained how local schools were involved in the project in order to "show the community the area is here, on the doorstep of town, to be enjoyed."

The constable told the judges about the parish's on-going battle to preserve its green spaces. He explained that the parish is in a "constant battle against over development" and mentioned the success of the campaign to keep the new hospital off People's Park. He also said that it was his duty as constable and a member of the States assembly to "fight the political battles that have to be fought on behalf of the parish."

Under the guidance of Tony Andrews, director of Parks and Open Spaces, the RHS judges then embarked on a floral visit around the town centre. They were first taken to the Cenotaph to admire the planted baths painted by local schools and nurseries for the competition.

Pictured: The two judges from the RHS met up with some of St. Helier's youngest parishioners.

They then walked along King Street, Conway Street and visited the town church, Royal Square and the central markets. Later in the day they jumped on a minibus for a tour of some of the residential and community planting schemes, including First Tower and La Collette Gardens.

Mr Jamieson who was visiting Jersey for the first said it was "...a lot to take in." "It is a very fascinating place, it seems as though every corned has a lot of history."

Pictured: St. Helier was picked among 79 entries to reach the finals, along with Deal (Kent), Newquay (Cornwall) and Llandudno (Wales).

With 79 entries in the competition, reaching the final four is quite an achievement confirmed Mr Dale. 'We are now looking at the best of the best. Every town was judged beforehand and St. Helier won the award before and has sustained a good quality over the years so they were invited again to take part."

After winning the regional competition, Jersey in Bloom, and being named ‘Best Parish’ last week, St Helier is hoping "to go one better" with a national win. The results will be announced in October. Each finalist will be awarded a Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver or Bronze medal. St. Helier could also snag an award for best in its category, as well as special discretionary awards given for achieving excellence in particular fields. Those green fingers are definitely crossed!