After a week of sunny weather, last Friday was the day the rains came, coinciding with the visit of RHS judges, Richard Beale and Steve Clampin, who were to judge Radstock in Bloom’s entry in this year’s Royal Horticultural Society South West in Bloom competition.

The day started with Radstock in Bloom Chairman, Sean Fletcher, and Vice-Chairman, Gary Dando, greeting the judges. After a short presentation, the tour of the town commenced, starting at the Writhlington Orchid Project, where students were on hand to host the visit. Then they visited Writhlington Allotments.

A short drive took them to see the newly-acquired Haydon Batch; Helena Crouch, from the Cam Valley Wildlife Group, was on hand to explain the biodiversity of the site. At Haydon Allotments, they were met by the Haydon Community Volunteers.

The walking tour of Radstock started at Waterloo Road, then the Greenway, and Radco Gardens. At Fortescue Road, they admired the Yarnbombing and were introduced to some of the Radstock Knitters. Fortunately, the rains held off for the walking section of the tour, before the judges arrived at Trinity Tea Rooms, where they were met by members of the Radstock in Bloom committee and where a buffet lunch was waiting.

Radstock in Bloom Chairman, Sean Fletcher, welcomed the judges and thanked everyone who had contributed to this year’s entry. In reply, the judges responded by praising the Radstock in Bloom team for their hard work. Finally, Cllr Eleanor Jackson, Chair of B&NES Council, congratulated everyone for their efforts.

Judging of Radstock in Bloom’s Front Garden Competition takes place on Monday, 29th July, with RHS Judge, Barry Cruse MBE. We will have to wait until the Presentation Night in October to know the results of this competition, together with the In Your Neighbourhood and South West In Bloom competition.

Andrew Linham