Norfolk Village Wins Top Gardening Award for Third Time

In a remarkable achievement, the Norfolk village of Filby has been named the winner of the annual Britain in Bloom competition. This is the third time Filby has secured the top award, having previously won in 2002 and 2017.

The village's success is a testament to the tireless efforts of its dedicated team of volunteers, who work every Saturday regardless of the weather to maintain the stunning floral displays that have earned Filby its reputation. According to Adrian Thompson, the chairman of Filby in Bloom, the group's work has put the village "on the map" and made it known "wherever you go."

However, the victory also comes with a bittersweet twist. Due to the rules of the Britain in Bloom competition, Filby will now have to sit out the next two years before it can compete again, with the earliest opportunity for a return being in 2028. Despite this, the volunteers remain undaunted, with Joy Baldry, another member of the group, stating that their work on "a very cold January morning in the ice" is made worthwhile by the prestigious award.

The community's efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the Britain in Bloom website praising the "passion and purpose" of the Filby in Bloom team in championing community gardening. The group's success is a testament to the power of dedicated volunteers and the transformative impact they can have on their local environment.