Madam, my sister-in-law, Mary Dew, was Mayor of Ross three times and I was her Mayoress. On one occasion she told me that her dream was to see every corner of Ross covered with flowers. She started to achieve this with her husband by planting the daffodils, which we enjoy each spring, along Wilton Road. She formed a committee, and so Ross-in-Bloom was created.

Before she died nearly 12 years ago, she had handed the task of running Ross-in-Bloom to Lyn Tomlinson, Mary Sinclair Powell, Margaret Lucas and others and they fully deserve the praise they are receiving now that they have decided to retire from active organising. They have worked tirelessly for the town and Mary Dew's dream has become a reality.

Mary also started to revamp the Blake Garden but ill-health prevented her from doing more. Those working there now are striving to make another area of Ross look good.

My only concern now is that having reached the Gold Standard who will continue the good work?

To everyone in the town please do your bit to keep the flowers growing, the litter down and continue to make Ross a pleasing place to live and for visitors to enjoy.

Thank you and well done to Lyn, Mary and Margaret.

Peggy Luker, Ross