Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer regarding In Bloom initiatives for 2027.

Members welcomed proposals marking the tenth anniversary of wheelbarrows being used for the Schools In Bloom Challenge and supported the continuation of existing arrangements which have proven successful in encouraging participation from schools and community groups. Members agreed that the existing Schools In Bloom voucher value of £40 remained appropriate and noted that compost would continue to be provided. Given the increasing cost of plants and gardening materials, Members unanimously supported an increase in Community Gardening vouchers to £75.

The Committee noted that the Town Council would not be submitting an entry to the Thames & Chiltern In Bloom Awards during 2027. Instead, efforts would be focused on continuing improvements to Unterhaching Park, including the introduction of additional features such as sensory gardening, woodland planting and other environmental enhancements with the aim of preparing the site for future entry. In response to a Members comment, officers would liaise with West Oxfordshire District Council regarding their proposals for a sensory style planting and landscaping within the green space at Marriotts Walk adjacent to Underhaching Park in order that they complement each other.

Members welcomed proposals for special tenth anniversary prizes and supported visits to Witney Lake & Country Park for schools, led by the Council’s Green Spaces and biodiversity staff. It was felt that this would provide an enjoyable educational opportunity whilst helping to promote the facilities and environmental work taking place by the Council at the Country Park.

During discussion, Members considered possible themes for the anniversary challenge. Following several suggestions, it was agreed that the theme should simply be" The Number Ten", providing schools with maximum flexibility and encouraging creative interpretation by participants.

In considering future financial requirements, Members agreed that a budget provision of £4,200 be recommended for 2027/28. This would comprise funds to support the Schools In Bloom Challenge, awards and community gardening initiatives together with £2,200 earmarked for improvements at Unterhaching Park.

Recommended:

1.       That, the report be noted and;

2. That, Schools In Bloom vouchers remain at £40 and;
3. That, Community Gardening vouchers increase to £75 and;
4. That, the theme for the 2027 Schools In Bloom Challenge be “The Number Ten” and;
5. That, the proposed tenth anniversary prizes of visits to Witney Lake & Country Park be approved and;
6. That, a budget of £4,200 be included within the 2027/28 budget, including £2,200 for improvements to Unterhaching Park.