A group has been set up to help keep the town looking marvellous. The group is made up of 3 Town Councillors and 3 representatives of Beautiful Battle. The South & South East in Bloom competition was entered with the Town winning a Silver Gilt award and the Almonry Garden a Gold.

Beautiful Battle and Town Council Join Forces

A grouping has been set up in Battle. It will continue to build upon the tremendous work carried out by Beautiful Battle and Battle Town Council in recent years on improving both the Town's floral displays and the environment. The grouping inherits the title Battle in Bloom, which until now has been mainly a cover title for the annual competition for trophies for floral excellence within the Town.It consists of three Town Councillors and three representatives of Beautiful Battle - Namely Cllrs Margaret Kiloh, Sylvie Pry and Ron Harris together with Alan Gavin, Marilyn Waughman and Barbara Clements.

The new Battle in Bloom's main role will be to support the continuing efforts to achieve one of the objectives set out in the Battle Local Action Plan - namely, for all to lend support to the efforts of Beautiful Battle and The Town Council to improve the Town's appearance. The outcome of the Town's entries in the regional "In Bloom" competitions in recent years are evidence enough of the successes which have resulted from Beautiful Battle and Battle Town Council working harmoniously together. However both organisations realise that even greater success can be gained by ensuring that there is no overlap in their work and that there is joint oversight of the management of their separate efforts.

Battle in Bloom's first decision was that, following a break in 2010, the Town should once again be entered in the Small Town's section of this year's South and South East in Bloom competition. Further, that the group will manage all aspects of the entry.

The group is also looking to revitalise the annual competitions for floral decoration through the Town. They will be working with donors of trophies to achieve a more rational approach. They also seek to involve the whole community in the efforts to improve the Town's environment. Ideas such as basing the award for the best kept front garden upon a walk past all the front gardens in Town, rather than relying upon individual entries, are being considered. Ideas for other areas would be welcomed by Battle in Bloom.

Secretarial support for Battle in Bloom will be provided by Town Clerk Peter Mills. Both he and the members of the group are always available to talk more about the best ways to ensure that Battle remains a leading light when it comes to floral excellence in the South East.