cranbrook in bloom 2019 dedicated to a colourful cranbrook 201… · seedlings including wild...
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Cranbrook in Bloom 2019
Dedicated to a Colourful Cranbrook
To promote community spirit, social inclusion, and improved opportunities for
everyone to fully engage in enhancing Cranbrook Town Centre and various green
areas around Cranbrook with planting and maintaining of flowers and shrubs. The
aim is to improve the cultural life of the community with the object of improving the
quality of life for people who live and work in Cranbrook and surrounding areas.
Kindly Sponsored by
Reg. Charity no: 1178988
Introduction
In 2018 Cranbrook in Bloom was granted charity status. To that end, and to reflect its current and past
activities, it has rewritten its objectives, placing emphasis on community building and social inclusion in
all its plant-centred events.
Horticulture
➢ In July 2018 we tried a new idea, planting out perennials in the High Street. This has worked
well and more planters have now been filled with perennials. (see photo below)
➢ In October we re-planted the 50 troughs with pansies and daffodils.
Below: Volunteers working in the Crane Valley alongside the Kent High Weald Partnership
➢ The communal herb box outside the Weald Information Centre has again been well used by
our local gastronomes or anyone in town who wants some herbs for cooking.
➢ The grasses we replaced on the roundabout, a mixture of Stipa Tenuissima and the
Calamagrostis Karl Foerster are thriving.
➢ The Union Mill (Windmill) has again been involved with the Bloom campaign. We have
provided them with new planters which they have planted up to suit.
➢ Cranbrook Museum is also an important tourist attraction and the volunteers have been
very keen to promote their museum and gardens again this year. They support the Garden
Safari by opening specially on the day and providing refreshments as they have also done
for Cranbrook Goes Nuts in May.
➢ Businesses within the town support the Bloom campaign making financial donations and
water/dead head when necessary.
➢ Approximately 25 clubs, schools, businesses and voluntary groups are actively involved in
our activities.
➢ During the year hundreds of plants and bulbs have been planted, including bulbs in the
churchyard, grass verges and adopted areas of the town. 400 pansies and 300 daffodils
were planted altogether.
➢ Seedlings including wild flowers were planted along the perimeter walls of the churchyard.
➢ We use John Innes with a peat multi-purpose compost 50/50mix to save water and all our
troughs have reservoirs.
➢ We have used careful planting this summer with more drought-resistant geraniums on the
sunny side and perennial planting on the shady side. Plants this year begonia, petunia,
calibrachoa and geranium.
➢ Plants were sourced from a local independent nursery using peat-free compost.
➢ Dragon wings planted at the Market Cross (Weald Information Centre) create a bold
display.
➢ Over 50 troughs have been planted up. Boxes have been re-painted and in some cases
refurbished and moved to better positions in the town.
Below: Jo and Georgia empty the troughs in town [Silver Duke of Edinburgh Students]
➢ The wild flower areas have been maintained in the car parks.
➢ Local verges including: The Copse and outside Forge Orchard are managed by Cranbrook in
Bloom.
➢ We also manage the roundabout at Wilsley Pound. This has won a drought tollerant award
for its planting.
➢ Our annual front garden competition will be judged the week commencing 24 June.
➢ We are expecting about 40 to 50 entries and have categories that include best front
garden, best wildlife friendly garden, best hanging basket, best planters and tubs and best
window boxes. The results are announced at our Presentation Evening in October.
➢ We also have a business premises competition, including pubs and restaurants.
Environmental Responsibility
The Library Pond ➢ The Library Pond, which is owned by Kent County Council, was adopted by Cranbrook in
Bloom and is managed as a wildlife area. After several meetings with KCC Libraries,
arrangement was made that KCC would clear the pond and surrounding area of reedmace,
and scrub. We would then plant and maintain the rear of the pond garden.
➢ In the autumn we planted 30 whips which were given to us by the Woodland Trust. They
included dog rose, dogwood, crab apple, hazel and hawthorn (5 of each variety)
➢ Cranbrook in Bloom volunteers clear rubbish and debris as necessary and arrange for the reed
mace to be professionally cleared when needed.
Below: Photo of our Duke of Edinburgh student Becky and Brian Swan, Cranbrook and Sissinghurst
Parish Councillor planting whips
➢ A Risk assessment has been agreed and adopted
with Kent County Council Libraries.
➢ The pond was cleared by an ecological company
called TWIG, a local company based in Horsmonden
(see photo left)
Forge Orchard
➢ Forge Orchard was adopted by
Cranbrook in Bloom to preserve as a
wildlife area and we encourage the
local Cranbrook Guides, Cubs and
Scouts to hold activities in the orchard
using the educational pack provided.
The educational pack is available on-
line for schools etc to use.
➢ We now have a five-year plan in place
to prune the trees and tend the
orchard as we have a licence until 2022
to look after this ancient orchard.
➢ We are in the process of applying for
local funding to enable us to provide
activity days in the orchard for local
groups.
Car Parks and Parking
➢ Sean Holden, on behalf of Kent County Council,
gave a donation for three planters and these have
been planted up with bee-friendly flowers. The
planting has now been divided to provide more
plants for other areas in the car park.
➢ Work has been undertaken on the advice from
our judges last year, to update the planting to
include more suitable plants for the size of the
planters.
➢ We are working with Kent High Weald Partnership
and Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council to
improve and enhance public areas.
➢ Following a meeting with Cranbrook and
Sissinghurst Parish Council and the High Weald
Partnership, a plan has been adopted to improve
the area including scrubbing out and replanting
the grass margins between parking bays.
➢ A large pine tree has been removed and other
tree works have been undertaken.
➢ Electric charger points have been installed in the Jockey
Lane car park for visitors to charge their electric cars when
visiting the town. (see photo right)
➢ The Parish Council has repainted the white lines in the car
parks.
➢ Our Chairman is also a member of Cranbrook
Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CCAAC) and that
committee was consulted on the new parking restriction
signage in the town.
➢ The committee advised their preference of primrose
yellow lines which has now been applied, instead of larger
signs at the entrance to the restricted parking area. This
has been implemented on a trial basis, hence the
temporary notifications attached to many lamp posts. We
believe these are more in keeping with our Town
The Crane Valley
➢ Crane Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is well maintained by Kent High
Weald Partnership, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Cranbrook in Bloom. Work is
undertaken by volunteers on specific workdays as arranged by Kent High Weald Partnership.
➢ The surrounding area which includes children’s play equipment, is kept clean and tidy by
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council, Ivor the Parish Warden and Cranbrook in Bloom.
Cranbrook in Bloom volunteers have been litter picking in the Crane Valley on a regular basis.
➢ The surface beneath the play equipment has been replaced.
Recycling and Waste Disposal ➢ Cranbrook has the privilege of several re-cycling containers in the Regal Car Park and also a
regular visit by a mobile lorry taking household rubbish too big for household bins.
➢ Urbaser Ltd are the new recycling, waste and street cleaning provider.
➢ At present residents have 3 re cycling bins:
Green Bin: Non-Recyclable waste
Brown Bin: Food and Garden Waste
Green Boxes: Cans, Tins, Plastics, Cartons, Metal Foil, Paper and Cardboard
➢ There are less re cycling bins in the Regal car Park now as it is considered that clothes and
other textiles can be given to charity shops, who may not be able to sell them but can make
money by recycling them. This has made the area much cleaner and easier to maintain and
the space made, may be used for further parking.
➢ There are now 4 green glass bins, 3 brown glass bins, 3 clear glass bins, 1 DVD/Books bins and
2 containers for metal cans/tins. This will however be cut down in September when the new
kerbside collection service starts.
➢ New kerbside collections will include glass for the first time along with paper/cardboard etc.
➢ Additional recycling collections for garden waste and weekly food waste will also come on
line.
➢ Additional recycling collections of textiles, household batteries and small electrical appliances
such as toasters/kettles will also be available.
➢ The TWBC empty the town bins six days a week
➢ The Parish litter bins are emptied twice a week by local contractor Urbaser Limited, with whom
we have a good relationship, road sweep regularly. The bins in the car parks are emptied every
day.
➢ They also empty the waste bins in the play areas which are now black and gold. Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council and Kent County Council are always very supportive and prompt with any fly
tipping or graffiti issues, in and around the town. Our community support Officer and our Parish
Clerks, act immediately, to deal with any environmental problems. No report of graffiti this
year.
➢ Cranbrook has a band of very conscientious litter pickers 365 day a year!!!
➢ Certain Cranbrook residents cannot pass a piece of litter. We do acknowledge and appreciate
these efforts along with the Cleaning Contractors.
➢ Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council arrange and supports at least two town litter Picks
every year.
➢ Cranbrook Cemetery, on the outskirts of the town, is
maintained by the Parish Council.
➢ The stained-glass windows in the chapel were designed by
local artist Mike Woodford, who was caretaker at Cranbrook
Primary School for many years. The glass depicts the local
scenery of the
Weald through
the four seasons.
A display of his
work is currently
on show in the
Museum.
The War Memorial
2018 overview by Ginny Peace – Member of Cranbrook In Bloom Team:
“I was weeding in and around the War Memorial last summer and realised that it was all
becoming rather overgrown and unkempt. Weeding away in the hot July sunshine I felt more
and more aware of what this memorial meant to the people of Cranbrook and that it was sad to
see it so neglected. Many of us go to the annual Remembrance Day service and then parade up
the High Street to pray and remember at the War Memorial, raised by the townspeople to
honour their dead of two World Wars. I drive or walk past it every day and take it for granted.
It felt unbelievably poignant that it was now full of weeds and overgrown plants. After making
it reasonably presentable for judging, I came home and did some research into what was planted
in other war memorials and found some suggestions by Gertrude Jekyll for Edwin Lutyens and
we decided to make some changes in our planting scheme:
We already had lavender and chose to replace the existing largely dead or overgrown plants with
Lavender Angustifolia “Sussex.” It is one of the old lavenders, robust and tall growing which is
important because it needs to be seen over the walls.
Another popular choice was the rose and we have planted two Rosa Rugosa Alba because they
are robust, long lasting and long flowering. Everything we plant at this site has to work hard for
its place! We also planted Nepeta and Rosemary “Remembrance” as well as hardy geraniums.
In the autumn we planted Lenten roses alongside the daffodils and snowdrops that are already
planted there.”
Following conversations with the owners of overhanging trees, Cranbrook Parish Council
arranged for the trees to be cut back to a more manageable size.
Since the revamp of the garden, the area has been greatly improved and is a lovely spot to sit
and reflect, much appreciated by local residents.
St Dunstan’s Churchyard
➢ The churchyard is maintained by Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council and Cranbrook in Bloom
have also been involved by planting seedlings & wildflowers. We also varnish & paint the benches
that have been donated to the town & placed in the churchyard.
➢ A new handrail has been made by
local craftsman Rob Longley and
installed by Cranbrook and
Sissinghurst Parish Council. It has
taken a while to obtain the
necessary permission but is now
really appreciated by all
churchgoers who previously found
the incline difficult.
➢ The churchyard is believed to have
dated back to 1509. There are 850
recorded graves, one being a
wealthy clothier buried in 1608 and
Elizabeth Paine the estranged wife
of Thomas Paine, who wrote ‘The
Rights of Man’, is buried here.
Edmund Clarke who climbed Mont
Blanc, died in 1836 is also buried
just outside Church House.
➢ The area between the church steps
and the Vestry Hall has been
planted and tended by the Jo and
David who live at Church Gates.
They have also adopted the Herb
Box in Stone Street.
Community Participation
Once again residents and businesses have demonstrated the importance of working together
with the same aim of maintaining and improving the work of Cranbrook in Bloom.
➢ Our year has been filled with working parties, outdoor fun days for families, litter picking,
weed pulling, planting and planning.
➢ Many events have been planned together with The Kent High Weald Partnership, and this
has made it a very interesting and varied year for everyone. We are fortunate to be able to
draw on their expertise and reach out to the community together.
Hartley House
➢ We are helping to refurbish and replant
a raised bed with residents and relatives
with scented flowers and plants the
residents remember. This will be a
memory garden.
➢ We are also thrilled that a group of
residents is undertaking the upkeep of
two flower troughs in the town.
Wellbeing in the Weald
➢ In February we were invited to attend a local group meeting to discuss Wellbeing in the
Weald, a new initiative in conjunction with Involved Kent. This has since developed and they
now have an allotment in town for locals to use. Locals are being encouraged to join in
tending the plot and donating plants to grow on it. They meet weekly on a Sunday
➢ We have donated our surplus plants and straw for their strawberries.
Local Schools and Nurseries
➢ Cranbrook Primary School, is fortunate in owning a ‘Forest School’ as part of its grounds.
This has developed further over the last year.
➢ The outside play area of the Rainbow Pre-School in the High Street has raised beds which
are planted up. This is supported by Cranbrook in Bloom. Recycled plants are given to them
to plant up.
➢ Cranbrook School is an important part of the town.
They are helpful with their community input including
the Garden Safari and Nuts in May. They have also
allowed the use of their car parks for community
events.
➢ Members of the Cranbrook CCF help us to mix 64 bags
of compost ready for planting the town flower boxes.
Forge Orchard [see more information under Environmental Responsibilities section]
➢ There have been many happy days at this
amazing old orchard. It is home to our
growing compost heaps, and many beneficial
bugs.
➢ Local Brownies, Guides and Scouts are invited
to use the Orchard for a range of events over
the year.
➢ We encourage local residents to visit the
orchard and several local families spend time
here with their children, exploring and having
picnics. There is also an educational
download available.
Presentation Evening
➢ This was a very successful event held in October. Over 120 people attended to accept our
thanks for their continued support and to receive their very well-earned certificates. The
Royal Tunbridge Wells Mayor presented the certificates at a great fun evening, including
Mayor’s Bears badges to the children.
➢ Members of local children’s groups including: Pre-school, primary school, Beavers, Cubs,
Scouts, Brownies, and Guides received prizes and certificates, acknowledging their efforts
and contributions to the town’s campaign.
Apple and Craft Fayre 6 October 2018
➢ A Craft Fayre is held in the Vestry hall with around 10 local stallholders taking part. We offer tea
and homemade cakes to visitors.
➢ The Apple Fayre gives many children and adults the
opportunity to use our apple press to see the process. We
offered sample tastings and sold bottles of our freshly
pressed juice and other homemade apple produce.
➢ This event raised £587 for Cranbrook in Bloom funds.
➢ This is an annual town event which is well attended and
now in its 13th year.
Plant Sales in the High Street and at Garden Safari
➢ These are an excellent way to not only sell plants but also meet people and talk about our
`In Bloom` campaign.
➢ A financial and community success raising over £1,000 during the year from three plant
sales.
Cranbrook Garden Safari (17th June 2018)
➢ This is always a wonderful day, being supported by visitors to the Town as well as local
residents. This is our main money-making event of the year when we sell tickets to see the
gardens as well as offering refreshments and a plant sale to our visitors. ➢ We made a profit of £1,637 at this event. The support and dedication by local gardeners
including Cranbrook School [photo below top left] is much appreciated. All garden owners
are invited to our Presentation/Thank you Evening. ➢ Eleven gardens opened as well as local attractions: Museum, Church Tower, and the
Windmill. The Museum served teas and light refreshments. Visitors were also invited to
see the local allotments.
Potted History of Cranbrook in Bloom
1994 The first entry. Result third [out of 3 entries]
2003 Funding from SEEDA enabled us to obtain a water bowser
2006 After several years we were granted a “Licence to Cultivate” certain areas of the town. This gave us the go-ahead to landscape Wilsley Pound Roundabout. Sponsorship came from local businesses. An overgrown pond was exposed in the library grounds. We arranged for debris to be cleared and a dipping platform erected.
2007 Wilsley Pound roundabout awarded “Landscape Award” [South and South East in Bloom]
2008 We adopted an old orchard for which we have an educational pack. An outside classroom has been made and is frequently used.
2011 Funding from the Big Lottery, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council, KHWP, Kent County Council, and Explore Kent has enabled us to produced a free local walking guide.
2012 Awarded GOLD in South and South East in Bloom competition. Received the “Beat The Drought Award”
2013 Our local Borough Councillor provided a grant to buy planters for bee-friendly plants in the Regal Car Park, the ownership of which had recently been transferred from TWBC to the Parish Council.
2014 A website was set up with help from two local businessmen. We received GOLD for the second time and were invited to enter Britain in Bloom for which we received SILVER GILT.
2015 We were invited to enter Britain in Bloom again and awarded SILVER GILT. Brilliant result.
2016 5000 purple crocuses planted. Larchmere House Nursing Home involved for the first time. No entry into the South and SE in Bloom competition, but still very busy. A portfolio was produced.
2017 Our campaign this year was sponsored by Don Bros, a local business. We won a GOLD award in the South and South East in Bloom Competition. We organised the first “Cranbrook Goes Nuts in May”. This was a two-day community event to showcase Cranbrook. It was linked to the Chelsea Fringe “alternative garden festival” and supported by local businesses and Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council.
2018 CiB campaign kindly sponsored by Don Bros and the Parish Council again. We achieved a Gold award in the S&SE in bloom and a Silver Gilt in the BiB. We worked with Hartley House Care Home, Cranbrook Primary School Gardening Club and Forest School. Continued assessment of the Copse, Designated Roadside Nature Reserve with the Kent Wildlife Trust. We replanted the War Memorial. Cranbrook Goes Nuts in May event ran again for the second year running on the last bank holiday in May for one day.