Spalding railway station is in the running for recognition after an East Midlands in Bloom judge made an unannounced visit to inspect its gardens and surroundings. The Friends of Spalding Station entered the site in a new category focused on railway stations and transport hubs.
The judging visit took place during the summer, and the results are due to be revealed in Derbyshire on Wednesday, September 23. The station’s entry is separate from the town itself, which will not be entered in this year’s competition because there was not enough time to prepare it.
Why Spalding Station was entered
The Friends of Spalding Station look after the gardens and the upkeep of the town’s railway building. They were involved in discussions about a possible entry for Spalding, but ultimately decided to put forward the station alone for the new category.
Jan Whitbourn, one of the group’s volunteers, said the judging visit had been a particularly positive moment for those involved. The group has worked to keep the station attractive, with volunteers contributing many hours to different parts of the site.
“It was great and exciting to welcome one of the judges to the station,” said Jan Whitbourn, one of the Friends of Spalding Station.
She said the station had also benefited from support from several groups, including Long Sutton Men’s Shed. The work has attracted favourable comments from people passing through, while train drivers are said to wave as they go past.
“As volunteers we work really hard to make it look attractive,” she said. “A lot of hours go into each part and we’ve had lots of groups help us too including the Long Sutton Men’s Shed.”
Ten entries in the new category
Julie Walker, secretary of East Midlands In Bloom, said the organisation had received ten entries for the new Railway Station/Transport Hubs category. Entrants were asked to provide background information and photographs before judges carried out unannounced visits over the summer.
Each participating station or transport hub will receive a certificate recognising its achievement. Awards will be based on the Royal Horticultural Society Medal system, with possible grades of Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver or Bronze.
Whitbourn said she believed the judge who visited Spalding had been impressed by what was on display. The result will determine which medal the station receives when the entries are announced in September.