Witham in Bloom is an entirely voluntary organisation that has been in existence in its present form since 2000 and is dedicated to improving the town as a place to live, work and visit.

Although it is now entirely autonomous from Witham Town Council it still receives generous support from the Council together with many businesses in the area.
During the summer and winter months floral displays are provided throughout the town and the Group encourages the traders and residents to play their part to make the town look colourful throughout the year. It also plays its part in the conservation area by planting new trees and hedges in the Closed Churchyard and through its litter picks.

Witham in Bloom organises many events, which include:

OPEN GARDENS DAY, which is usually held on the second Sunday in June when many of the beautiful gardens of Witham are open to the public. All funds raised are divided equally between Witham in Bloom and Farleigh Hospice.

LITTERPICKS along the River Walk and Blackwater Trail. The Group is always looking for new volunteers to help on the three litterpicks organised during the course of the year. These are held on Saturdays in early March and again in October. The picturesque River Walk is treated to a twice-yearly litter pick, once in Spring and the other in early Autumn. The tranquil Blackwater Trail litterpick takes place late March/early April.

COMPETITIONS A large range of mostly sponsored competitions are run annually by Witham in Bloom and keen gardeners, schools, businesses, restaurants, shopkeepers, and industrial premises are all encouraged to participate. Judging of all the categories is undertaken by independent judges during June/July and these include:

• Best Ward Front Garden Central and Chipping Hill Ward • North Ward •
  South Ward • West Ward
• Best Overall Garden (the Best Garden chosen from the four ward winners)
• Best Hanging Basket
• Best Window Box
• Best Dry Garden
• Best School Wildlife Garden
• Best School Premises
• Best Small Town Premises
• Best Large Town Premises
• Best Shopping Precinct
• Best Public House
• Best Industrial Premises (Eastways/Freebournes)
• Best Residential/Community Garden
• Best Garden Plate (Children’s Competition)
• Best New Entrant
• Best Commercial Premises
• Best Vegetable Garden

AWARDS EVENING The Group’s prestigious event of the year has to be the awards evening when the efforts of the businesses, public amenity providers and the town’s gardeners are recognised. The efforts of all those concerned have helped to win recognition from Anglia in Bloom over the years and in 2004 Witham in Bloom achieved its highest accolade - a Silver Award in the Best Large Town Category.

SPONSORS PRESENTATION Our many sponsors play a vital role in the success of Witham in Bloom Conservation Group and to acknowledge its appreciation for the support given throughout the year Witham in Bloom present each sponsor with a framed certificate at a special buffet lunch.
Witham in Bloom is always looking for volunteers and new sponsors so if you are interested please contact Annie Northfield on 01376 517527 for further information about the Group.