IN BLOOM

As The Wheel heads to print for its fourth edition, we head towards the day we welcome RHS Southwest in Bloom judge, Richard Taylor. Up until the end of June, the visit of a RHS judge had always been uncertain, normally we would have Bloom meetings, attend a spring seminar which this year was moved to a mid-summer seminar and then cancelled.

Unsure, we have continued to plan by phone and email. Plants have been ordered, delivered and potted. A 30 page portfolio has been created and is now available to read at the Community Hub and Library. Planning a judging route to show our town at its best, which includes areas, community groups and the fabulous Writhington Orchid Project, is no easy feat in the extended final stages of a roadmap to normality. Judges’ itinerary, a short presentation on what we have achieved as a group and as a town in since Summer 2019 and COVID. With help from the bubbles from the Radstock Brigade, we have completed the hanging baskets and planting displays and updated and refurbished planters. Dedicated bloomers have worked in town on beds and in Haydon on coaltruck planters and community spaces. Allotment communities have continued to improve their plots and space around them, and community groups and schools have been litter picking. At times, organising spending long hours in front of the computer, on the phone and bringing all this together, to show Radstock for an award in 2021 or indeed any year, has brought its own challenges and restless nights. But then, whilst wearing that Bloom Hi-Viz, planting, litter picking, removing weeds or maintaining beds, someone will say: “Thank you” or “that looks lovely”, “you’re doing a great job”, “what is that plant” and a conversation is started, or a smile given. It’s those moments that are golden even more so, during the last 15 months. So, no matter what award the RHS Southwest in Bloom give us in October. Our reward comes from those kind words, smiles and appreciation received. So, from all of us, thank you! For it’s you that drive us to first and foremost work to make the town a better place to live, shop and visit. Sean Fletcher, Chairman