“Today saw the crowning of White Rose Competition which searched Leicestershire far and wide to find its loveliest white rose.
Claire Jackson and her white rose took the title at Leicester Cathedral this morning as well as a prize of £100 worth of Coles Nurseries vouchers. Claire will also undertake the role of guest of honour at this year’s memorial service at the Cathedral on 22 August. She expressed her joy by stating she was “surprised and delighted” by the result, especially as the rose she bought was from Coles Nurseries.
Claire’s role as guest of honour will see her placing white roses on the memorial stone of King Richard III. This tradition is always a poignant affair as visitors pay their respects on the anniversary of his death; however it will be sure to be even more touching this year as the Cathedral will be holding a special service to reflect upon the official discovery of King Richard’s burial site. The significance of roses is rife throughout his legacy; in his family emblem being a white rose, as well as the battle which saw his demise being called the War of the Roses.
Canon Barry Naylor, who was on the judging panel, expressed the difficulty of choosing a singular winner as all the entries received were simply lovely. Along with James Coles (Coles Nurseries) and Josie Hutchinson (BBC Radio Leicester Gardening Expert) all three judges were unanimous in deciding that Claire’s rose was “most worthy winner!”
Many entries into the competition, which encouraged Leicestershire citizens to grow and nurture their own lovely white rose, came along with rather unique stories. From a rose thorn attack to a rose given for Valentine’s Day to a couple who have since gotten married; these sweet gardening tales only added to the excitement and delight of the competition.
The memorial service to honour the anniversary of King Richard III’s death will take place on the morning of 22 August 2013.”
