Organisers of Highbridge’s entry into the annual Britain In Bloom competition are this week gearing up for this year’s contest, having reversed their earlier decision not to enter the contest.
The Highbridge in Bloom group had decided not to enter this year’s South West regional competition, despite winning Silver Gilt awards over the last three years.
But the group’s Pam Lyes has told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “Highbridge in Bloom had earlier decided that it would not enter into the South West in Bloom Competition 2012.”
“However, having discussed the matter with the competition’s regional Chairman, Jon Wheatley, we have been persuaded to do so.”
“On looking back over the last three years, with the help of both the Town Council and Sedgemoor District Council’s Clean Surroundings Team we have been able to make a number of improvements in the town.”
Pam added: “More projects are in the pipeline, some of which may come to fruition this year. We are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors who, in effect, help pay for the plants supplied for the new planters we have purchased for the town.”
“We would also like to thank Highbridge Dreamscheme for all their help, particularly in organising the supply of extra hanging baskets throughout the town, and providing paintings for the new showcases erected at Highbridge Station.”
“In the three years it has entered the competition, Highbridge has been awarded Silver-Gilt awards. Our ultimate aim is gold!”
She added that the group plans to run its Annual Best Allotment, Best Front Garden, and Childrens’ Painting Competitions again this year. Entry forms will be available in June and judging will take place during July, with the group’s presentation evening being held on 13th October at Highbridge Community Hall. Those who are interested in sponsoring the group, or getting involved, should call 01278 784629.
.Highbridge In Bloom’s improvements over the last three years
Among Highbridge in Bloom’s recent activities are:
1. The revamp of Alpha House Gardens and the purchase of four new flower cauldrons there, together with the new four large octagonal planters placed outside of Alpha House.
2. Highbridge in Bloom also oversaw the new floral bed at the Station Approach road and worked with Severnside Track on improvements at the station itself. In 2011 the Station received the SW in Bloom Chairman’s Award for the cleanest Industrial site in the area. More work has been done to the station this year and it will be entered into the South West Regional ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ competition.
3. The group has also been able to get the two triangular beds and “L” shaped border on the Town Green sponsored by Sanders Garden World, who change the planting several times during the season.
4. Jubilee Gardens have had a make over, with trhe provision of new waste bins and four new seats, some of which have been sponsored, and Highbridge in Bloom also is looking forward to the installation of the new Four faced Town Clock. A new “Badge bed” planted up in carpet bedding to commemmorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is also to be contructed there on behalf of the Town Council.
5. All the seats in the town have received an annual coat of paint.
6. With grant aid, nine large self-watering Promenade Planters have been purchased and placed in various positions along Church Street, plus five barrier baskets for the Cornhill, and one floral tower situated at the bottom of Walrow bridge, plus a small pole planter at the entrance to Southwell House. The Memorial Garden at Southwell Gardens is to have a revamp this year. Negotiations are underway with Sedgemoor for the installation of much-needed new play equipment there.
7. A total of 20 self-watering Hanging baskets bought by the original Highbridge Traders’ Association will be planted up and distributed around the town.
8. The train bogeys which were the original project of the former Regeneration Partnership have now been sited at Walrow surrounded by a new floral bed.
9. Wildflower meadow seed which was supplied free by the Royal Horticultural Society has been sown at Walrow within the vicinity of the daffodils planted there – the idea being that because councils are finding it ever more difficult to find the money to cut grass verges, wildflowers help to avoid this and also help with biodiversity.
