NANTWICH in Bloom appointed Tom Deans as its new chairman at the Annual General Meeting on April 18. He succeeds Alderman Doug Butterill who stood down partly through ill health and partly because of a new ambassador role (see this item).

    Tom is a highly respected horticulturalist - or plantsman as he prefers to be called - and despite his advanced years still lectures at Reaseheath College and is in regular demand for his talks and presentations.

    Tom has been involved with Nantwich in Bloom for many years and has been the Vice-Chairman for the past six years. Mark Betteley, who has been a committee member for about 10 years will fill the vacant Vice-Chairman's role, assisting Tom where necessary.

    Nantwich in Bloom is also delighted to welcome Anthony Saxon on to the committee. Anthony is a senior lecturer at Reaseheath Horticultural College and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition to his expertise, Anthony has also encouraged some of his students to gain valuable practical experience by lending a helping hand to our "bloom" efforts. This additional workforce will allow us to expand our current portfolio and take on further, more demanding, projects around the town, including a remodelling of the flower bed on The Square.

   We have also been in contact with the newly-appointed Rector at St Mary's Parish Church, the Rev Canon Dr Barry Wilson, who is very enthusiastic about our work, particularly around the church and is keen to work with us to improve the area around the south aspects of the church.

   Another recent member, Margaret Lavin, will have responsibility for arranging the numerous working parties required to carry out planting, weeding, deadheading and general tidying of the beds, tubs and baskets in the town throughout the year.

   Nantwich is looking particularly good at the moment with the spring planting finally reaping the rewards of some warmer weather and sunshine. Unfortunately by the end of May we will need to remove all the polyanthus and pansies, etc, to make way for the summer bedding which this year will include wildflowers and herbs along with the more traditional bedding plants.

IF you are interested in the society's work and require more information, or if you are in a position to help, please contact our Secretary, Sue Hughes, by email at suedabbersinbloom@yahoo.co.uk or by telephone, 01270 652513.

 

Report by Mark Betteley