The end of flower power! Totnes withdraws from Britain in Bloom

Hippy enclave, Totnes, has pulled out of Britain in Bloom because no one was interested. Is this end of flower power as we know it?

Totnes in Bloom organiser Debbie Miller-Wright, who planned to enter Britain’s blooming competition for the first time in 20 years, told thisissouthdevon: “I’m beginning to feel like I am fighting a losing battle.”

For four years she’s been trying to dig up support for the town’s own bloom competition, and has got support from the town council and local businesses, but she’s only managed to nurture two new members – taking the total of volunteers to eight.

She said: “I would be embarrassed even to enter the town into the competition this year. The judges would come around and laugh at us, probably.”

It’s not like Totnes is alien to garlands for its garlands, it picked up awards by the bucket for its bouquets in the 70s and 80s – nine certificates of exceptional merit and a tourist association cup.

On the other hand, the town’s transition projects with its fruit, veg and nut tree look to be going strong. Maybe flower power hasn’t withered, just grown into something new?

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