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The Burnham and Highbridge in Bloom Committee was formed over
twenty years ago, principally to organise entries in the South West
Regional Britain in Bloom Competitions. In 2008, a group of volunteers
from Highbridge decided to form a separate Highbridge in Bloom Committee
with a view to improving the floral displays in the centre of Highbridge,
leaving the original Committee to concentrate on Burnham-on-Sea.
An annual floral competition is also organised for local residents,
businesses and schools to encourage people to brighten up their
properties and take a pride in their local environment.
The Committee arrange the hanging basket displays each year in Burnham
High Street. The baskets are filled by students at Somerset Court,
Brent Knoll and are erected on brackets on lamp columns in June.
The lamp columns have to be tested for stability each year before
the baskets are installed to comply with stringent health and safety
requirements. Arrangements are also made for the baskets to be regularly
watered throughout the season.
The Committee liaise with the Clean Surroundings Section of Sedgemoor
District Council who plant and maintain the flower beds in the other
public areas of the town such as Manor Gardens and the Esplanade
to ensure that they are looking at their best when the judges visit
during early July.
The judges not only take into account the standard of the floral
displays but points are also awarded for maintenance of street furniture,
recycling, business premises and conservation/wildlife habitat areas.
Community participation is also vital and links are being made with
other local groups such as the Horticultural Society and Friends
of Apex Park.
The Town’s floral competitions are judged during late July/early
August. Categories include front gardens, groups of gardens, hanging
baskets, window baskets, balconies, tubs/containers and unusual
containers. There are also categories for the business community
and these include the best shop window, holiday site, care home,
guest house, hanging basket and unusual container. Entry forms are
published in the local press and entries can also be made by telephoning
01278 788292 or 789859. Entries are free!
The group also organises school painting and floral wheel barrow
competitions. The best paintings are entered in the Regional Competitions
and local young people have recently been very successful in obtaining
Regional awards.
The prizes for the various competitions are awarded at an Annual
Presentation Evening hosted by the Chairman of Sedgemoor District
Council and the Town Mayor during October.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with this committee should
telephone the secretary on 01278 789859.
HIGHBRIDGE IN BLOOM A new Highbridge in Bloom
group was formed in February 2008 to try to enhance the appearance
of Highbridge.
An original group of 5 volunteers has now grown to 17 and a great
deal of effort has gone into fundraising. Grants from both the Town
and District Councils, together with one or two generous donations,
have enabled us to purchase a large number of self watering containers
for the town.
Volunteers have undertaken litter picking on a regular basis, and
we are pleased to work closely with both Town and District Councils
to improve the garden area in front of Alpha House in Market Street,
and also the Town Green. We are also now working closely with these
authorities to enhance the Jubilee Gardens.
In 2008 the group entered the Neighbourhood Award Scheme of the
Britain in Bloom competition and were delighted to receive an Award
of Merit (Silver). In 2009, with help and encouragement from the
Britain in Bloom South West Regional Committee, we were persuaded
to enter the whole town and all our members worked hard to prepare
for the judging in July.
We would issue two pleas to all residents of the Town – firstly
- please will you be extra house proud of your gardens, pavements
and gutters outside as everything, however modest, contributes to
the overall ambience on judging day (not to mention the whole year
round) and secondly – anyone who is interested in the appearance
of our Town is very welcome to come and join the Association –
young or old there is room and a welcome for all. For more information
contact Joyce on 01278 792716.
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