Stony in Bloom
Welcome to Stony in Bloom
Silver Gilt Award 2009
Winner: Thames and Chiltern Trophy for Urban Community category
Community Involvement Award
(Awards announced on 28 September 2009)
Stony in Bloom (SIB) is a group of volunteers who are passionate about making Stony Stratford even more beautiful. In 2007 the Town Council decided that one way of improving the town might be to enter the Britain in Bloom Competition. It was agreed that Judy Deveson and Joan Walker, the two Council members most committed to the whole idea, should seek out a group of local enthusiasts to organize the entry, 
with funding from the Town Council and some local sponsorship. And so it was that in the autumn of 2007 Stony in Bloom was born and had its first meeting. A whirlwind of activity followed – plants and planters were ordered; with the help of Milton Keynes Council (MKC), several patches of ground were dug and prepared; and on an icily cold Good Friday in 2008, the members of Stony in Bloom rolled up their sleeves, wrapped themselves up, and began planting.
The Community Project for Everyone
What is most important to the project is bringing in the whole community and each year so far there has been a warm response 
from the people of Stony Stratford (see Community Involvement). School children, Brownies, Guides, the Children’s Centre and local residents are involved in planting, dead-heading and weeding beds and planters. Publicity brought new volunteers who have taken on useful new roles – for example in securing sponsorship and managing the Website. However, SIB would be delighted to attract new members who would be prepared to help with marketing and publicity, as well as helping with the ongoing projects, which include:
- 1st and 3rd Saturday in the month, 10 am – 12 noon, maintaining the Bluebell Wood at the top of London Road
- Maintenance of landscaped sensory gardens on London Road, Calverton Road and Church Street
- Maintenance and planting of Millennium beds at the entrances to the town
- Watering the plants in the polytunnel that SIB erected in 2009 in the grounds of St Mary and St Giles Middle School with Futures Group funds, and helping with gardening sessions for the children of St Mary and St Giles School in the polytunnel and raised beds outside
- Helping to clear ivy from the lychgate wall on London Road
- Helping with the floral FS on Fullers’ Slade that Andy Macdermott, the Community Mobilizer, is spear-heading
For success in the Britain in Bloom Competition it is important that the town is clean and tidy. Members engage in regular litter-picks, and take responsibility for dealing with litter in their neighbourhood.
It is also important that the principles of sustainability are observed. This aspect is being addressed by the use of the polytunnel for storing plants and taking cuttings, and by the water-retaining design of the hanging baskets and planters.
Generous support
The Stony in Bloom Group would like to take this opportunity through the Website to acknowledge and thank everyone who has given so generously towards its aim to enhance the lives of residents, businesses and visitors to Stony Stratford, Fullers Slade and Galley Hill. Details appear in Sponsors, Supporters and Volunteers.
Silver Gilt Award in 2008 and 2009
To the delight of everyone in the Group, the huge effort was rewarded with the winning of a Silver Gilt award in the Britain in Bloom Competition in 2008 and in 2009. In addition in 2009 SIB won the Regional Trophy for its category, and the Regional Award for most Community Involvement. It doesn't stop there: SIB is brimming over with new projects for 2010.
Next working parties
Working parties take place on Saturdays from 10 am to 12 noon. (If you can’t stay for the full 2 hours you are welcome to spend as much time as you can.)
27 February: The working party planned for the Augustus Road garden has been cancelled because of the weather
6 March: Augustus Road garden
20 March: Bluebell Wood
Friday, 2 April (Good Friday): Ostlers Lane Millenium Stone
Check our News page for details of current and forthcoming activities.
Do contact Stony in Bloom via the Town Council:
Stony Stratford Town Council Office
The Library
5–7 Church Street
Stony Stratford
Milton Keynes MK11 1BD
Telephone: 01908 566726
email: info@stonystratford.gov.uk.
Please visit Stony in Bloom Website again soon and look out for updates on the Notice Boards around town and in the Town Crier
