LAST week was decision day for the communities of Wolfscastle and Fishguard, when the judges visited to consider their entries in the national finals of Britain in Bloom.

Wolfscastle was visited by judges Roger Burnett and Denise James. The Wolfscastle in Bloom Committee, under the guidance of coordinator the Reverend Geoffrey Eynon, had worked unstintingly over the past 12 months to ensure that the judges would be impressed with what they see.

The day started off with a 15-minute presentation, given by Mrs Wendy Raymond, at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel. This was followed by what was supposed to be an hour-long tour of the village by car and on foot but turned out to be almost two hours.

"The judges were quite happy to relax the rules, and enjoy the experience of visiting this close knit, tranquil community," said Rev Eynon.

En-route, visits were made to view gardens and open spaces and to chat to members of the working group at strategic positions. Time was spent listening to five members of Goodwick Brass Band, who had come along to entertain the judges on their tour.

The judges had the opportunity to view the recently purchased phone kiosk, suitably fitted out with shelving which holds books which can be borrowed or exchanged and will also house one of the defibrillators purchased by the village.

A visit was made to Nant y Coy Mill to see the on-going progress of the work that is being carried out to regenerate the property, which is hoped will be reopened towards the end of the month.

The tour finished in the school, with almost 30 pupils full of enthusiasm wanting to promote their school and tell the judges of how they had prepared for the competition.

Many parents, friends, residents and guests including Councillor Aden Brinn, and his consort, Mrs Rose Blackburn also came. Judges chatted to the recently formed youth forum and the young people also entertained the crowd by singing. Refreshments were served by the school staff.

"Thank you to all those who have contributed so generously financially and in kind and who have been involved in this year's campaign," said Rev Eynon.

Both judges thanked the whole community for the wonderful welcome given to them.

Fishguard and Goodwick were visited by judges David Jamison and Richard Burge to judge their entry as one of six finalists in the small coastal community category.

The RHS judges were hosted by greening coordinator, Julia Moffett, and her husband Bruce.

Among the sites visited were Manor Way Goodwick; Ysgol Glannau Gwaun's gardening club, the Golden Mile, Fishguard Square and war memorial and Plas-y-Fron Allotments.

The judges also popped into St Mary's Church to see the magnificent display of quilts and visited Fishguard's famous tapestry in the Town Hall.

tour ended in

The tour ended at Café on the Quay, Lowertown, where the judges were entertained by Fishguard Folk Singers.

"The judges were really impressed by what has been achieved and amazed we were a first-time entry," said greening's Julia Moffett.

"They also commented on how friendly everyone was and said that the wild flowers at the Pendre beds were the best that they had seen."

The results of the Britain in Bloom competition will be announced at an award ceremony at The Waterfront, Belfast on October 19.