East Midlands In Bloom - Best Kept Village 2024

Mareham Le Fen - Bronze

Judged on 11th July 2024 Judges: Richard Stephen & Nicholas Litherland

Judges Award: to the children of Mareham Le Fen Church of England Primary School for their beautifully planted raised beds containing a mixture of colourful shrubs, perennials and annuals that were well maintained and a credit to the school.

Introduction

On a cool overcast morning, the judges were met at the village Community Hall by Andrew Everard, Clerk to the Parish Council. After receiving a welcome refreshment, the judges were taken on a tour of the village which included the local church, Primary School, and residential properties. Returning to the Community Hall, Andrew gave a brief presentation outlining what the village had been doing over the last few months and their aspirations for developing the village. Well done Mareham Le Fen

Areas of Achievement

Section A: Horticulture

At the Community Hall, Andrew showed the judges the planted pots and the colourful raised bed. The shrubs planted on either side of the 2 benches were very nice. Throughout the tour the judges were able to view a large number of very good, colourful and well maintained residents' gardens e.g. The Hever, Owl Cottage, 26 Church Rise, Ormsby House, Old Chapel Cottage, The Willows and Fieldside. These were just a few when many more could have been mentioned. It was good to see that the pupils at Mareham Le Fen had bought into horticulture in a big way. Edward and Millie enthusiastically showed the judges the 3 planted raised beds at the front of the school and another 2 or 3 at the back of the school with a number of individual plant pots. Some of the beds had been planted with pollinators to encourage the bees and others had a mixture of shrubs and perennials. The majority of the plants had been grown from seed. In the spring there is a display of bulbs. It is good to know that the school has a thriving Gardening Club. The Royal Oak, a lovely thatched 17c building is located at the hub of the village and is quite a feature. Painted white and set at a cross roads it's hanging baskets and planted tubs and troughs make a nice venue for the villagers.

Section B : Environment

Mareham Le Fen's heritage is quite well documented. Listed in the 1086 Doomsday Book as Maun - Lord of the Manor was William 1. St. Helen's Church of England dates to the 13c and within its grounds there is a medieval stone cross. The churchyard was being well maintained. Main grass areas were looking neat and tidy and the allocated area for the wildflowers was looking for a treat. 'God's Acre - wildflower meadow was initiated in 2020 and has thrived over the last 3 years. Consideration should be given to taking this concept to other village locations. There are 3 War Graves within the churchyard which the Parish / villagers are responsible for. The Royal Oak is Grade 11 listed and at the far end of Main Street there is the remnants of a former windmill though the judges were not informed about its former use. There were a number of well crafted and well maintained benches along the tour. The children at the Primary School have built a beautiful Bug Hotel. This construction is constantly maintained and monitored to see what insect life takes up residence.

Section C: Community

The judges were informed about the range of all year round activities which takes place in the village. Some is also documented in the portfolio. Activities through the year include, Community and social events, Garden Club, Revesby and Mareham WI, The Parish Council recently purchased a New Notice Board for their notices and its available to be used for community fliers promoting local events. Social media is also a method to stay connected with the community. It was noted that the East Midlands in Bloom competition was published through their website, notice board and social media. It was good to see that some partnership working has taken place with representatives from Gleeson Homes planting a Commemorative Tree.

Areas for Development

Section A: Horticulture

The Royal Oak is such a big white building dominating the street scene. It is appearance and attractiveness could be improved if the hanging baskets were bigger and perhaps some wall troughs or free standing troughs along the frontage. Some grass areas across the village were pretty good but there is room for improvement. Try to secure a reputable, reliable grass cutting contractor in time for next year's judging. At the Community Hall, consider using fewer individual pots and have larger raised beds, these would need less watering and have a greater floral impact. Consider increasing the size of the beds around the 2 benches and increase the density of the planting. Consider visiting the Village Bowling Green as part of the tour next year perhaps the judges could meet a couple of the regular users on the day. The low finger post (Moorside, Wilksby and Tunby Woodside) on the large triangular piece of grass land is crying out to be planted with wildflowers or plant a large perennial bed. - save on mowing... Consider something similar on the triangular bed by Horncastle Road. It would be good if you could persuade a local farmer to cut the grass on the Mareham United Football pitch until such time the club is formed and operating again.

Section B: Environment

Try to ensure that the selected route for the tour is free of weeds in the gutters, weed growth at base of walls and litter. There is some documented information about Mareham Le Fen's heritage. Consider trying to make more of this through planting schemes, Interpretation Boards etc. The Bus Shelter appeared bland consider introducing a couple of hanging baskets or shrub borders here. It was disappointing to see litter and plastic bottles under the bench adjacent the Royal Oak. With the help of volunteers, try to check the route just prior to judging. Remember that wherever you take the judges - walking or driving the judges judge what they see. So, plan your route carefully ensuring that as far as weed growth in gutters, base of walls etc is removed.

Section C: Community

Consider arranging volunteers to meet the judges on different sections of the route so they can tell the judges how they help your campaign. In your portfolio consider showing evidence of 'local press' support for the village and your bloom efforts e.g. group litter picks or bulb planting. Photographic evidence of Mareham Le Fen's Spring bulb display would be extremely helpful. Continue to engage local businesses for sponsorship / partnership working. e.g. Gleeson Homes.

Marks

Section A: 20

Section B: 16

Section C: 16

Total Marks: 52       Medal Awarded: Bronze