Britain in Bloom is taking root in Douglas with a broad cross section of organisations already pledged to support Douglas Borough Council’s ‘going for gold in 2010’ bid.
Council Leader David Christian said: ‘Britain in Bloom is a campaign aimed at involving all sectors of the community – retail and business organisations, the hospitality industry, charitable groups, schools and local residents - in sustainable projects that can help improve our surroundings and promote environmental responsibility.
‘Douglas is proud to be representing the Isle of Man in Britain in Bloom. We will be “going for gold” but whatever level of success we attain can only be achieved with the support of the local community. To this end we recently set up a Britain in Bloom steering group and issued a call to action to businesses and community groups to partner with the Council. Clearly there is a collective commitment to “green up and clean up” Douglas as response to that call has been most encouraging.’
Among the first to pledge support was Sadler Agricultural Supplies with the donation of a garden bench, now located at Ballanard Court sheltered housing complex, and vouchers for successful competitors, and Watson’s Nurseries, which has enjoyed a long-standing association with the Council and will be offering discounts off selected plant purchases for Douglas residents and businesses.
The Sefton Group, owners of the Sefton and Hilton hotels, was also swift to take up the challenge. Director David Woodiwiss explained: ‘We have formed two committees – one from the Sefton, the other from the Hilton – which have identified potential projects at each property, ranging from clearing borders to installing planters and hanging baskets, enhancing the frontages of both hotels with planting schemes and establishing a herb garden at the Hilton. Our team of volunteers is growing daily and we’re working closely with the Council’s parks section whose expertise is proving invaluable.’
Other organisations expressing a willingness to become involved include Isle of Man Constabulary, Barclays Wealth, Scottish Widows, Douglas Development Partnership, Manx Hospitality Partnership, Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled, Manx Blind Welfare Society, Manx Wildlife Trust, the Filipino Society and the Department of Education’s Youth and Community Service. In addition a number of schools have begun working on projects in consultation with the parks section, while celebrity chef and Douglas resident Kevin Woodford has also lent his support to the campaign.
Councillor Christian said: ‘This is not an exhaustive list by any means, as groups and individuals are coming forward daily to see what contribution they can make. In response we have created a dedicated Britain in Bloom email address.
‘I have been enormously encouraged by the level of support the people of Douglas, and indeed from elsewhere in the Island, are showing for Britain in Bloom, a campaign that builds on the success of last year’s “Keep Douglas Tidy” campaign - now to be annual event - and encourages social cohesion to bring about positive change to the quality of life in the capital.’
The Council’s Nursery Foreman Graham Newsome said: ‘Britain in Bloom is much more than horticultural achievement. Community participation and environmental responsibility combined account for 50 per cent of the points. With this in mind we’ve identified a biodiversity volunteer project that “ticks both boxes” – clearing knotweed from the banks of Middle River to encourage growth of indigenous plant species and resurfacing the riverside pathway. This is only one of a number of schemes under consideration and we would be pleased to meet with any organisation or individual considering lending their support to Britain in Bloom, a campaign that looks at activities benefiting the community as a whole, not merely for the judging period but for the much longer term.’
Britain in Bloom judging will take place between August 2 and 13. The awards will be announced on September 29 at a venue to be confirmed.
Enquiries regarding Britain in Bloom should be sent to Britain in Bloom
Councillor Sara Hackman, seated second left, with members of the Council’s parks section and supporters of Britain in Bloom including Sefton Group director David Woodiwiss, seated, second right, and back row: Bobby Sadler of Sadler Agricultural Supplies and Robert Watson of Watson’s Nurseries, fourth and fifth right respectively, Inspector Ken Kneale, fourth left and Theo Fleurbaay of the Manx Hospitality Partnership, third left. Also pictured are clients from the Manx Foundation for the Physically Disabled
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