Michael was invited to speak and present awards to committee members and volunteers at a celebratory event for Upton in Bloom following the group being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Dubbed as the “MBE for voluntary groups” it is a highly prestigious award and provides the truly well-deserved recognition for all the hard work that the volunteers of the group do making the town an even more beautiful place. The monarch approves every nomination personally, and the award was one of the very last given out by Her late Majesty. It was presented on her behalf by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell earlier in the year.
The celebratory event was a great success, held in the stunning grounds of Yarrells School, and drew attention to the great work of individuals and how well Upton in Bloom have collaborated with other groups and organisations within the town, bringing the community together in so many ways. The town has been beautified by their efforts, and the group have been highly successful in many Britain in Bloom competitions in recent years.
The Head Gardener of Yarrells School, Stewart, provided Michael with a tour of the formal gardens and explained how well attended the gardening club is and how they have worked with Upton in Bloom to allow pupils to get hands-on with gardening and learning about horticulture, a skill which they can carry throughout their entire life.
