RADSTOCK IN BLOOM

MEET YOUR NEW CHAIR OF RADSTOCK IN BLOOM

Hi my name is Pam Young and I have just been elected Chair of Radstock in Bloom.

I joined the In Bloom family about six years ago, when I worked for Radstock Cooperative. I am not a Radstock resident but having worked within the Co-Op for 36 years, I feel as if I am. About 8 years ago, I volunteered with my friend Jo to take over maintaining the raised beds, Coal Truck and large tubs outside the old main store.

Over the years we were honoured to win 4 Gold Business Awards from Southwest In Bloom. The last few years that I worked for the Co-Op, I was given the opportunity to become their plant buyer. As we were an independent Cooperative, we were fortunate enough to be able to buy weekly. This we did from local nurseries and buying from Holland through the local Flower Market in Bristol. This process taught me a lot from costing and waste management. Anything we couldn’t sell, we usually planted in our beds, so nothing was wasted. I learned so much from my time at the Co-Op that when I retired 4 years ago, I along with Jo, took on the maintenance of the Brian Perret bed opposite the library.

Sustainability is now In Bloom’s priority and with continuing support from Traders, Radstock Town Council and various voluntary groups, we hope to continue with this in the future. Although my body is ageing, my brain is still intact so I hope I can continue to work for a few more years and we will strive to keep Radstock looking Blooming Lovely.