Midsomer Norton has been a flurry of green-fingered activity in recent days and weeks, as the South West In Bloom judges descended on the town last week. The town takes great pride in its floral displays and had gone to great effort to make sure Midsomer Norton was clean and tidy, but residents also reported concerns after a contractor seemingly began cutting a High Street tree last Wednesday without taking the necessary safety precautions. Onlookers posted photographs online, worried for the cars and people beneath, with the work promptly stopped.
Despite this, the sun shone on Midsomer Norton last Thursday, helping it to look its best when the town was judged. The party travelled a route taking in eleven stops, beginning with the Coal Truck Garden at the corner of South Road, before moving on to visit a local resident’s garden, followed by the Somerset and Dorset Railway’s astrological garden and the Silver Street Nature Reserve. Next came a viewing of the Skate and Adventure Play Park led by Writhlington Sports Trust, taking in the ‘Bishop’s Garden’ at the end of Rackvernal Road.
The judges then continued on a walk-about, meeting volunteers at the Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Garden and children at Midsomer Norton Primary School’s garden project. Representatives of the Somer Valley Gardening Group and NYC (Norton Youth Club) showed their efforts in the Hollies garden before the judges met
Midsomer Norton Rugby Club members at the figure of a rugby player in flowers outside the old Council Chamber.
The Somer Valley Chamber then presented their hanging basket project before the tour concluded with a presentation on the river with a difference. Pupils from Welton Primary performed a short musical, written by the local Merriman Theatre Company, entitled ‘Cruella de Norton and the river wildlife’ – the theme being that Cruella wanted to get rid of all the plants and the children dressed as a wide range of animals, from a
kingfisher to Mayflies and snails, who protested that the river was their home. The morning concluded with lunch with volunteers in the Town Hall Assembly Room.
“On behalf of the town, I’d like to thank all those who have worked so hard to
prepare for the South West In Bloom judging last Thursday, said Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.
“Not only did the town look fabulous, but I know the judges were impressed at the strength of our community spirit and engagement.” He went on to say: “It is, however, essential that, despite their enthusiasm, those involved in preparing the town ensure safe working for not just themselves, but the general public, is at the forefront of their minds. I would like to thank members of the public who reported concerns on non-compliant tree work which we were able to stop.”
The next step is judging for Britain In Bloom which Midsomer Norton is also competing in this year. So for the moment work continues in preparing the town’s entry in the coming weeks. The results for both competitions will be announced in October 2016.