Judges from South West in Bloom visited Peasedown St John last Tuesday morning to see for themselves what the village has to offer in this year’s regional competition.

South West in Bloom, part of the national Britain in Bloom initiative, is held every year to showcase and recognise some of the best-looking gardens and landscaped community green spaces across the region.

This year is the first time Peasedown St John has been entered into the competition.

The village’s B&NES Councillors, Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independent) have coordinated the village’s entry. Cllr Walker said: “It has been six months of hard work and preparation, but hopefully it has all paid off. We are grateful to everyone in the community who have gone out of their way to make sure the village is looking clean, tidy and presentable.

“We are particularly grateful to the Residents Association, Nathan Hartley, Parish Council, Lions Club, and Curo for the work they have put into Peasedown in Bloom 2017.”

South West in Bloom is one of eighteen regional competitions that make up Britain in Bloom. The aim of the community groups and businesses that take part is to improve and regenerate local environments and neighbourhoods. This can be through the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and to sweep away the eyesores that blight our streets, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

The Councillors worked with residents, community groups and local businesses to prepare twelve local sites for viewing. They were: Nathan Wood, Peasedown Cricket and Croquet Clubs, Circle Hospital, Ecewiche Green, Orchard Way, World War I Orchard, Beacon Field, Dunkerton Hill roundabout, The Prince of Wales Inn, Ashgrove Cemetery, Eckweek Gardens, World War I Dwarf Magnolias, Wellow Lane Henge and The Green.

Cllr Bevan said: “In Bloom allows us to be as creative as we like. As well as the traditional side of the competition, such as well-kept gardens and colourful flower beds, we also demonstrated our success with community clean-ups, fixing broken fencing and repairing and refurbishing dirty and broken street signs.

“The judges were extremely impressed with what they saw during their two hour tour of the community. They said they had seen some ‘superb scenes’ and were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of local volunteers.”

On Tuesday, judges met with the district councillors, business leaders, members of the Residents’ Association, the local Lions Club, Party in the Park representatives, plus Parish Councillors and staff.

Peasedown In Bloom has been sponsored by Peasedown Party in the Park through the 2017 Grant Fund. Now the village will have to wait until October 5th, at a special award ceremony in Torquay, Devon, to find out if they have won an award.

South West in Bloom is part of Britain in Bloom, which is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, and is focused on Horticultural Achievement, Environmental Responsibility and Community Participation.

Peasedown St John has been entered in the Village Pennant Category.