Portishead in Bloom

 

Monthly Press Release/Newsletter – Issue 2

December 2009 to January 20010

 

Portishead in Bloom Committee would like to wish everyone a happy and successful 2010.

 

December - A few events took place in December, one of which was the Victorian Evening. What a wonderful event this turned out to be. The organisers deserve a huge ‘thank you’ for making this a truly memorable occasion. Portishead in Bloom did brisk business selling holly, mistletoe and pots of hyacinths. It was good fun and lovely to see so many people supporting us. The money raised will go towards our ongoing work to enhance the town.

 

Also in December, Portishead in Bloom received an invitation from the Town Clerk, Martin Dalton to attend an informal Christmas ‘get-together’ to meet the Town Councillors and enjoy some delicious food prepared by Martin and his staff. This occasion was greatly appreciated by Portishead in Bloom.

 

Pride in Portishead (PIP)- this dedicated group of volunteers evolved from one of Portishead in Bloom’s AGM in 2007 and has been responsible for clearing the town of weeds and rubbish on a regular basis. On 3 January, eleven volunteers turned out to tidy up Dreams and New Look Car Park. This was a one-off clear up as the Retailers have been requested to maintain it themselves. It is their responsibility!

The following dates have been planned for future ‘tidy-ups’. They take place on the first Sunday in the month at 10.00a.m. Pickers and Sacks will be provided. Volunteers are always welcome.

7 February -Brampton Way footpaths – meet at 52 Brampton Way (by the footbridge)

7 March       - Lake Grounds/ Esplanade  -       meet at Lakeside Café

4 April          - Wyndham Way         -                            meet at the Co-op Car Park

 

Our Friends of Portishead in Bloom Group -  The December working party tidied up the Millenium Gardens next to St Peter’s Church. If you haven’t yet visited this beautiful garden, tended by volunteers and overseen by one of our committee members, Jane Pagano, it should be a priority for 2010. Our next working party will be on 1st February at the Viewing Point in Woodlands Roadat 10.00a.m when we will be cutting back the undergrowth to ensure a good view! Please bring loppers and pruners if you can join us.

Obituary - We were saddened to hear of the passing of Joan Fowles, who was one of the founder members of Portishead in Bloom and one time secretary of this organisation. She was a wonderful lady and it was largely because of her dedicated efforts and determination that the In Bloom group got off the ground in 1996.

 

Chairman’s Talk - As you may be aware Portishead in Bloom has a new Chairman, Sandy Tebbutt. Sandy gave a talk about Portishead in Bloom’s work to the

 Neighbourhood Watch AGM at the Avon and Somerset Police HQ in Portishead. As a result, a very welcome donation of £75 was sent to us to help with our work.

 

Vandalism – Unfortunately, there has been a further spate of vandalism in the town, including the destruction of some of the Christmas lights and the appearance of more graffiti. Portishead in Bloom would like to thank the person(s) who cleared up the mess in the High Street following another attempt by someone at vandalising one of our baskets.

 

9 January 2010 – Portishead in Bloom’s work never ceases and on a very cold, snowy Saturday some committee members braved the icy weather conditions to walk and drive round the proposed judging route in preparation for this year’s RHS South West and Britain in Bloom competitions. After last year’s excellent success the group is taking nothing for granted. The planning of these routes has to be meticulously timed and the strict criteria adhered to if we are to impress the judges once again.   

 

Spring Garden Awards – this may be hard to think about at present but spring is not that far away. This year Portishead in Bloom will again be looking out for attractive spring gardens which brighten up the neighbourhood. People will be able to put forward their own front gardens or nominate someone else’s, including businesses and retirement housing. We hope to have entry forms available at the Folk Hall, the Library, and a download version on our website www.portisheadinbloom.org.uk. Photos would be appreciated but not essential as members of the committee will also visit nominated gardens. Depending on the weather this will take place between mid March to the end of April. More information will follow.

 

Sponsor a basket or a tub - a suggestion has been received from one of our local councillors with regard to Portishead in Bloom investigating the possibility of inviting members of the public to sponsor a basket or a tub as a new way of fundraising. This idea will be discussed further at our next Committee meeting. If anyone is interested or has new ideas for fundraising, Sandy Tebbutt would love to hear from you.

 

Open Gardens 2010 – Finally, if anyone would like to take part in our Open Gardens weekend (June12/13) please contact Sandy Tebbutt on 01275 843566. We are always looking for more gardens to view. This is such an enjoyable event and we are so grateful to all those who participate.

 

Further information about Portishead in Bloom’s activities can be viewed on our website at www.portisheadinbloom.org.uk