Unfortunately, the pandemic has meant that our annual project, Retford in Bloom, has not fully happened this year.

In most cases shop fronts did not have their usual magnificent floral displays, although many of the pubs, despite the restrictions on their profitability, managed to cheer us up with colourful and welcoming displays.

Once restrictions are lifted we must remember to shop, eat and drink locally if we want our town centre to survive.

Some good news this year was that North Notts BID and Strawson Property Limited have agreed to carry forward their sponsorship of the hanging basket scheme to 2021 and Retford Rotary Club are also allowing their financial support to move into 2021.

Schools and Pre-School Centres had received their potato growing kits before lockdown and a number have managed, by various means, to grow them during the crisis and will receive recognition and books on gardening for children.

Unfortunately, our Presentation Evening planned to take place in September had to be cancelled.

A special mention must be made to the Retford in Bloom Committee, Bob Davenport, Alan Laurie, Adrian Sumner, Lesley Sumner, Derek Turner, Joan Turner and Jan Williamson whose enthusiasm and involvement have made Retford in Bloom happen in this strange year.

The winners of this year’s competition are:

Front Gardens:

East Ward – Small    1st 155 Moorgate.         2nd 27 Holly Road.         3rd 42 Brixworth Way.

East Ward – Large    1st 17 Cornwall Road.  2nd 13 Durham Grove.  3rd 12 Park Lane.

North Ward – Small 1st 18 Boundary Walk. 2nd 28 Sandringham Way.   3rd 21 Badgers Close.

North Ward – Large 1st  118 Cambourne Crescent.  2nd  1 Tiln Court.  3rd 20 Clifton Way.

South Ward – Small  1st  17 Gleneagles Way.  2nd  19 Kingsmead.       3rd  50 The Oval. 

South Ward – Large   1st 33 High Street.         2nd   26 The Oval.          3rd  2 Haddon Road.

West Ward – Small   1st  The Barn, Rectory Road.  2nd   40 Daryl Road.  3rd  45 Chancery Lane.

West Ward – Large  1st=  9 West Park Place & 30 Ordsall Park Road 2nd 7 West ParkPlace.                  3rd  Ordsall Park Road.

Waterside Gardens:

1st  7 Chesterfield Drive.         2nd  17 Osberton Road.        3rd  8 Pennington Walk.

Consistent Achievement Award – Front Gardens:     1 St Helen’s Road

Schools Potato Growing

Secondary:      1st  Retford Oaks Academy

Primary:          1st  Bracken Lane Primary Academy     2nd   Carr Hill Primary School                                      3rd=  Thrumpton Primary Academy & Ordsall Primary School

Pre-School:        1st  Claremont House Nursery School   2nd  West Street Pre-School

Pubs:       1st=   The Brick and Tile & The Black Boy        2nd=  The Gate Inn & The Dominie Cross

Community Award:    Bassetlaw District Council Parks Department &   Trinity Hospital Gardens