Blooming success for Ely Rail Station as they are crowned winners of Ely in Bloom 2018

In recent months, green-fingered shop proprietors, publicans and hoteliers set out to create the bright and bold displays across the city. Photo: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

The station, which has hanging baskets and planters dotted around the platform and entrance, was chosen as overall winner by Mayor of Ely Councillor Mike Rouse.

“There is a real sense of pride at our station in the service they give, but also in the overall appearance of the station and the tubs and hanging baskets do so much to brighten up what is an open and at times bleak position,” he said.

The colours chosen for the displays this year were to commemorate the hundred years to the end of the First World War.

In recent months, green-fingered shop proprietors, publicans and hoteliers set out to create the bright and bold displays across the city.

In recent months, green-fingered shop proprietors, publicans and hoteliers set out to create the bright and bold displays across the city. Photo: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

Mayor Cllr Rouse judged the winners of the six categories on Tuesday (August 8).

A presentation evening at the City of Ely Council Chamber then took place to commend all those involved.

Categories featured volunteer’s flowerbeds, community sheltered housing gardens and religious building garden areas.

The full list of winners is as follows:

In recent months, green-fingered shop proprietors, publicans and hoteliers set out to create the bright and bold displays across the city. Photo: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

Cat A

1st Cutlacks

2nd Cathedral Vets

3rd Lemon Tree

In recent months, green-fingered shop proprietors, publicans and hoteliers set out to create the bright and bold displays across the city. Photo: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

Cat B

1st Ely Cathedral Conference Centre

2nd Refectory

3rd 3AT3

In recent months, green-fingered shop proprietors, publicans and hoteliers set out to create the bright and bold displays across the city. Photo: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

Cat C

1st Railway Station

2nd Kings Ely

3rd Ely Museum

In recent months, green-fingered shop proprietors, publicans and hoteliers set out to create the bright and bold displays across the city. Photo: Mike Rouse. (Image: Archant)

Cat D

1st Hereward

2nd High Flyer

3rd West End

Cat E

1st Bellholt

2nd Fairfax Court

3rd Ribe Court

Cat F

1st Methodist Chapel

2nd Church of St Peters

3rd Countess Free Church

Benton’s - Commended

Ace - Commended

The Mayors overall winner of winners for 2018 - The Railway Station

Mayor of Ely, Cllr Rouse, said: “Congratulations to Ely’s Railway station on being awarded the overall winners in the 2018 City of Ely Council Ely in Bloom competition.

“It is such a busy gateway to the city and it is heartwarming that we have such committed staff.

“In the most tightly contested section of Ely in Bloom, the one for sheltered housing schemes, congratulations to Bell Holt who just pipped last year’s overall winners Fairfax Court with Ribe Court in third place.

“Well done to those who brighten up the lives of everyone else.”

The Ely in Bloom committee is a voluntary community group that is sponsored by the council and East Cambs District Council.

The group work throughout the year to ensure that the city comes alive during the spring and summer months while maintaining the other areas throughout the autumn and winter.

Councillor Alison Arnold, deputy mayor and Ely in Bloom working group chair, said: “The City of Ely Councils, Ely in Bloom working group, wish to thank all the businesses premises, volunteer open spaces, pubs and hotels, community sheltered housing and religious building gardens in Ely that took part in this yearly event.

“Although having above average temperatures, displays were vibrant, well watered and very well maintained.

“Some displays were petite and others flamboyant, the visual impact around our city illustrated the pride, and uniqueness of Ely.

“Also many thanks to all our judges who volunteered to judge the displays around Ely in very hot conditions.”