On Saturday 4 February 2023 POLTIMORE IN BLOOM held its first official open gathering.
After several months of behind the scenes efforts it was time to introduce POLTIMORE IN BLOOM to the wider village and ascertain if we should move forward as entrants into this years Britain in Bloom competition.
The turnout and enthusiasm was fantastic and far surpassed the expectations of the founding team. With the support shown we are pleased to now be able take the scheme ‘live’.
The presentation covered many topics which included;
An introduction to Britain in Bloom, the benefits it can bring to a community and how we as a village can participate.
Presentation of the POLTIMORE IN BLOOM website with an explanation of its contents particularly the map of site locations and ideas for the individual areas.
A brief summary of the Bloom judging criteria to emphasize that its not just about ‘flowers’ but enrichment of the community as a whole pulling together in a common cause.
To outline the potential funding required to move forward in a meaningful manner a summary of the budget necessary to undertake current objectives was presented.
Volunteer Support
There are many differing roles available from digging, planting, weeding etc to more background support and will involve the community as inclusively as possible.
Those present were given a sheet in order to tick the tasks they thought they could support and carry out
Particular assistance is required in the following.
- Ideas and Design group – planting, art etc
- Fundraising ideas group
- Local children’s involvement
- Seeking local Business funding and sponsorship
- Research – grants, other sources of funding and support, advice on the damaged bowl.
Please contact via email if you feel you can help
RHS Support
We have been assigned a RHS mentor and an initial conversation highlighted several key points which were relayed
- In anything we create think about ‘Quality – Quality – Quality’
- It can be challenging – Our famous British weather can be too hot., cold wet or too dry, planting may get damaged BUT come judging day it is well worth the effort
- Encourage participation of local children – art, bird boxes, bug hotels etc
- Incorporate Art , recycling / being eco friendly
- Be creative – baskets/pots can be different not always using the usual traditional bedding plants
Following the formal presentation questions were taken and discussed including;
- Judging will take place in July 2023 following our formal application next month.
- The damaged Bowl (site 1) saga continues to drag on and responsibility appears to be bouncing between various governing departments. Whilst not in our current remit to pursue the restoration it is certainly something we will review.
- As far as Bloom goes the current status will not detract from our efforts. Indeed it may enhance our position if we as a community work together and get the issue resolved.
- Poltimore is very rich in animal and bird life. Evidence of the diversity and our attempts to encourage it is very important to the Bloom project, therefore please DO send in photos that illustrate this via our website contact page.
- Both Poltimore House and the Church are important historical elements of the village story and we hope that Bloom can enhance and reflect this heritage.
Coming up
10am Saturday 18 February
Time to get POLTIMORE IN BLOOM underway, activities will include
- Village tidy / litter pick & brush up
- Area 1 Bowls - relocate saplings into adjacent grass area
- Area 2 – Wild area - start pruning the gate / fence for access
- Area 3 – Poltimore sign -relocate tractor tyre to area 2
- Area 7 – Church planters – remove and refresh soil ready for new spring planting
- Area 11 – Bowls – tidy area and remove Ivy from stonework
The village hall will be kindly providing hot soup and rolls to our hardworking volunteers. To avoid waste please confirm via email if you can attend by Wednesday 15 February.
February / March (Date to be confirmed)
Bird box making.
We will be having bird box making day - details to follow.