On Thursday, 13th October, the hall at Radstock Methodist Church was filled to overflowing with members of the local community assembled for Radstock Town Council’s Making A Difference Awards, together with Radstock In Bloom’s presentations.
Cllr Mike Boulton, Chair of the Council, started the meeting by introducing the Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Cllr Alan Hale, who was to make the presentation to the In Bloom winners. After a short speech, Royston Knight gave a brief address, before announcing the winners of Radstock in Bloom’s new Front Garden and Allotment competition.
The winners were – Best Front Garden: Gold – Rosemary Rogers, Joint
Silver – Paula Moon and William Sims, Joint Bronze – Mary Shepherd and Trish Sanders, Special Ecological Prize – Mary Shepherd. Best Hanging Basket: Gold – Barbara Williams, Silver – Kim and Maria Kircher, Bronze – Sally Brown, Special Commendation to Kevin Minnis and Anita Hurt and Ann and Norma Wilson.
Writhlington Allotments under three years: Gold – Amanda Aldrift, Silver – Barry Simmonds, Bronze – Angie Steele, Highly Commended – Ian Chant. Haydon Allotments under three years: Gold – Mr Megson, Silver – Jamie Chard, Joint Bronze – Jules Grant, Shaun Clarke, Messrs Smith and Chivers, Highly Commended – Eleanor Murphy. Haydon Allotments over three years: Gold – Roger Mansell, Joint Silver – Mr and Mrs Bryant, Mrs and Mrs Chivers, Bronze – Mr Boucher.
The South West in Bloom ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards were then
presented. Of the fifteen certificates awarded, all but one were classed as Outstanding. A new category in ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ had been introduced this year for Business, Leisure and Tourism, and Radstock received three Silver Gilts; The Radstock Hotel, The Town Team and Radstock Co-op.
Cllr Hale congratulated everyone who had taken part in the new Garden and Allotment competition, 25 people had entered and all had received a certificate.
The final part of the evening was dedicated to Radstock Town Council’s Making a Difference Awards. This year’s winner was Valerie Montague, who has spent her life working to help others, from training as an SRN in Accident and Emergency at the Royal United Hospital to volunteering with Christian Aid. In recent years, she has supported the activities at Writhlington Village Hall, but most of all, she led Writhlington Methodist Church until its closure in April.
The newly-introduced Making a Difference Youth Award was presented to seventeen-year-old Amber Morrish, who was nominated by her colleagues at DNA Arts. She was credited for her passion and enthusiasm in engaging with local people and getting them involved in community arts projects in the town.