A CIVIC reception, hosted by Scottish Borders Council, was held on Tuesday to recognise a decade of achievement by Melrose in Bloom.
It is the latest accolade bestowed on the community group which has recently been selected to represent the region in the forthcoming Britain in Bloom competition.
At the reception in the Ormiston Institute, SBC convener Alasdair Hutton told the gathering of 35 volunteers: “You have shown what a community can do when it cares and can motivate its citizens to come together to help make it a beautiful place.
“Today, we gather to honour your achievements and thank you for what they have done for Melrose. I’m also pleased that key council staff are present in recognition of the tremendous partnership working that has taken place between Melrose in Bloom and the council over the last decade.”
After the event, SBC leader and Leaderdale and Melrose councillor David Parker commented: “It was a fantastic reception of afternoon tea to honour Melrose in Bloom and wish the group all the best for 2012.
“Melrose looks superb in the summer and the volunteers work all year round to ensure that the town is presented in such a fantastic way.
“I was very pleased Nancy Smith and Alastair Bennett, the two SBC street wardens, who help Melrose in Bloom maintain the high standards of civic amenity in the town, were able to attend.”
Melrose in Bloom chairman Quin Dunlop thanked the council and added “We take great pride in everything we do for our town. We work well in partnership with the council, but I must also thank all the local traders and businesses and all the private individuals for their continued financial support.”
Community councillor and Melrose in Bloom stalwart Val Miller told us: “We are looking forward to the Britain Bloom challenge of 2012. Our hard working volunteers are very pleased that their efforts have been so kindly recognised.”