One of Ross-on-Wye’s main tourist attractions has been axed. Due to complaints from a handful of shop traders in the town, the last ever Ross In Bloom Market Day has come and gone.
Mary Sinclair Powell, a leading light behind the event for many years, told the Journal she was very sad about the few complaints over food and noise that the market brings.
“I feel the town needs as much help as it can to gain as many visitors as it can get – especially on the back of last year’s In Bloom gold award. People will come to the town on the back of that award and find there is nothing going on and won’t bother to come again,” said Mary, judging co-ordinator for Ross In Bloom and event organiser.
“The charity and craft traders who sell at the markets are very upset because they were just getting into the swing. The most disappointing one to be cancelled is the Christmas market which was very popular, and I had quite big plans for that this year.”
It has been decided that the organisers can no longer put up with the complaints, which were more serious than in previous years, so Mary and the other organisers will use their voluntary time focusing on other things.
“The other In Bloom committee members are fully behind me,” said Mary.
“People who drive through the town stop and look around and get some food when the markets are on. Now all that will stop and they will choose to visit other towns in the county where there is no problem with markets.
“Unfortunately, it’s this handful that have ruined it for the other 250 traders in the town.”
Following statements from organisers that Ross-in-Bloom is itself cancelled for this year, the committee would like to stress it is only the regional competition that will not be taking place.
This is the day when the Heart of England Judges come to Ross in July, look around the town and award a certificate. It was hoped Ross could defend its title this year.
The event has been cancelled due to the lack of volunteers coming forward to give a few hours of their time towards the paperwork and organisation that is needed for this visit.
The local competitions will still be taking place. This year the preliminary short listing for judging will start as usual during the last week in June, with all the competitions being judged in July, August and September.
A full diary of events for Ross-in-Bloom judging times will appear in the Journal next week.
Everyone is reminded that entry to most of the competitions is automatic. Nominations and entry forms are only needed for the retired, children, secret garden, best street and window competitions.
Entry forms will also be sent out this month to previous participants in some of the competitions, and will also be available at the Heritage Centre shortly.
Last year’s winners are reminded that Ross-in-Bloom will need their cups and trophies returned to the Heritage Centre for display during July and August.
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