At the South West in Bloom awards in Truro last Thursday, Paulton was nominated as the Best in the South West. We were awarded the Michael McGahey Trophy as the winners for the 'Exceptional Community Effort'. As this was our first go at the South West in Bloom competition, our entry was thought to be so good that we were awarded the Vic Verrier Cup for the Best New Entry, jointly with another village.

In the actual competition, we were awarded Silver Gilt, which is almost a gold. Hazel Rowcliffe, from the Pride in Paulton Partnership, said: "We couldn't believe it when we got the two extra awards. However, we are delighted that Paulton's outstanding community is now recognised."

Not only did the local team of PiPP (Pride in Paulton Partnership) who organised all the work in improving the village, do well, but we have to hand it to our local school, Paulton Junior. Under the guidance of Haley Shackleton, they were awarded a Gold and the Clem Preece Memorial Cup as the best school in the South West. Not only that, in the other competitions, 'It's Your Neighbourhood', Paulton Junior School was awarded the highest level, Level 5 Outstanding and in the Bath in Bloom, Paulton Junior School won the Community Winners Award.

We must also mention Lynette Madden who was awarded Silver Gilt and won a cup for the Best Allotment by a private individual and in the same competition, Julie Morgan was awarded a Bronze Award.

Four other groups from Paulton entered the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' competition and we were delighted that Noah's Ark Pre- School and Supporting Paulton's Service People were awarded Level 3. We were also pleased that Fieldways and Residents and Friends of Laurel Drive were awarded Level 2.

We hope to be able to display our trophies in The Hub, so come along and see them! We are now starting to plan for next year and are organising working parties every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m. from the Village Hall.

Liz Hardman

Well done also to Midsomer Norton, who won Gold in the Pennant Award, Camerton, who won the Silver Gilt, also in the Pennant Award, and Chew Magna, who won Silver in the Mary Mortimer Trophy.