This Is Cheshire

PERSONAL TRIUMPH

From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 4th Oct 2001.

SHELLSHOCKED shopkeeper Frank Holt stepped into the limelight this week to receive a national honour for his fantastic floral displays.

Mr Holt spearheaded the transformation of Congleton with a series of stunning floral shows which won praise from local people and visitors alike.

The memorable displays were a crucial element in the town's bid for glory in the Britain in Bloom finals, which were held on Wednesday in Scotland.

Congleton were up against the top towns in the country, and failed to win an award, with St Helier on the island of Jersey scooping the title.

However there was a special award for Mr Holt, the floral project leader for Congleton in Bloom, in recognition of his personal contribution to the town's final entry.

He received the Moran Memorial Award, a cut glass award created in the shape of the leaf of a plant.

Mr Holt spoke to the Congleton Guardian from the awards ceremony in Dumfries, and told of his shock at the national honour.

"I was totally flabbergasted by the award, although it was a nice surprise," said Mr Holt, aged 60, who is known across Congleton and the borough for his commitment to helping the community.

"I was also feeling a bit guilty because we were a team of 13 people, and I accepted the award on behalf of Congleton in Bloom.

"I was a bit sorry Congleton did not win, although being in the finals has put the town on the map and encouraged tourism."

Mr Holt led a team of volunteers which decorated the town with 140 flower troughs and 600 hanging baskets.

They also worked tirelessly to repair the damage done by a torrential storm which battered Congleton in August.

Mr Holt runs a general store in Parnell Square, Congleton, and attended the awards with fellow Congleton in Bloom members Margaret Williamson and Eileen Kent and volunteer Barry Sellers.

"I am absolutely thrilled for Frank, and the award is well deserved," said Mrs Williamson.

"The judges recognised his unique contribution, despite having very few resources, to achieve such a tremendous effect.

"The competition in the final was fierce, and although we were not placed I am really thrilled to have got to this stage.

"The other finalists had not even heard of Congleton, and reaching the Britain in Bloom finals has enabled the town to become much better known."

Mr Holt's wife Doreen said her husband had worked hard for the Congleton in Bloom group.

"I feel he deserved the award, although he did not expect it," she said.

St Helier is the capital of Jersey, the runners-up prize went to Durham, and the other finalists were Carrickfergus, Guildford, Harrogate, Bridlington and Dumfries.

Congleton was chosen to represent the North West in the large town section of the finals after winning the North West in Bloom award.

The finals award ceremony was held at a university campus, and was attended by 300 people, with the guests including a host of civic dignitaries.

Congleton scooped the top prize for towns with populations of between 20,000 and 30,000 in the Best Kept Village - Civic Pride competition run by the Cheshire Community Council.

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