Driffield's Shirley Franklin wins Chairman's Award

Shirley Franklin, Chairman of Driffield in Bloom was nominated for two categories of this year's ERYC Chairman's Awards - and won the Tidy Environment Shield.  This was presented by Cllr David Grange at a gala dinner hosted by TV's Paul Hudson.  The judges were impressed with the time and effort she puts into not only running the Driffield In Boom Group, but also the time she spends hands on getting her hands dirty.

Shirley is a well-known figure in Driffield, treating the whole town like her own back garden, tidying and deadheading as she cycles round the town.  Also mentioned was her low "carbon footprint" as she goes everywhere by foot, bike or public transport.

Barbara Hall, Treasurer of the Driffield In Bloom Group (pictured above) was invited by Shirley invited to the Dinner and Reception as her guest.  She said, "I am so pleased for Shirley - she has worked so hard for so many years, and always stays well in the background.  She is so modest about her achievements, but we couldn't have won the Most Improved Town prize from Yorkshire in Bloom last year without her - thank goodness at last she has been recognised in this way!"  Cllr Felicity Temple, who nominated Shirley and was also present at the awards ceremony echoed these words, "She richly deserves it, although I am not sure if she has yet forgiven me, as she always thinks our success is due to team work.''