THREE green-fingered ladies are throwing in the 'trowel' this week and stepping down from the Ilkley in Bloom committee. Patricia Shankley, Pat Baker and Margaret Welsh (above, left to right), have all decided to retire from the committee after a decade of keeping the town in trim. Mrs Welsh, of Ashburn Place, said all three were sad to be leaving the team but were looking forward to having more time on their hands."We were all beginning to feel it was time to retire from some things and wind down a little," she said. "Pat and Patricia were founder members of the group as it now stands and have worked unstintingly for ten years. I have been involved for about eight years. We have all enjoyed it immensely and have become friends over the years. Perhaps it is time for some new younger blood and fresh ideas, although we will continue to support the committee before judging and with fundraising." Chairman Tony Gilroy. "I am very sad to see them go. They have worked so hard for so long keeping Ilkley looking good that they well deserve their retirement. But I shall miss them like mad!" he said. Three replacements have been recruited. (41-028-AH)