It was certainly a joy and a privilege to welcome and entertain Mary Bagley and Geraldine King, our Nationals judges for the day. A welcome from the committee at the Station and a trip out on the Water Taxi to the Exe River Cafe for supper the night before, set the happy scene.
Transported to various locations in the town by World of Country Life’s 100 year old open-topped Morris Cowley Mary and Geraldine took a three and a half hour tour of the town, meeting representatives from Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Exmouth Town Council, Devon Wildlife Trust, Littleham C of E Primary School, Exmouth Art Group, Phear Park and Manor Gardens Tree Trails and many of Exmouth in Bloom’s, ‘Blue Team’ volunteers.
we thank the Ocean Deck for providing indoor space for three presentations of places not visited on the route, Littleham School Gardening Club, Bystock Pools and The Phear Park Tree Trail.
Entertainment by the Shantymen was enjoyed by all who were in The Strand enjoying a cuppa outside one of the many cafes there.
At the Receptions held at the Masonic Lodge at the end of both the South West in Bloom and Nationals tours, Devon County Councillor Jeff Trail and Mayor Olly Davey spoke in praise of all three Councils working together to help Exmouth in Bloom make such a difference to the town. The judges expressed their enjoyment of the day and loved the feel of the community working together and the magnificent, colourful uplifting displays and murals. Chairman of Exmouth in Bloom, Gerry Bassett, thanked the Sun Lodge Committee, all the EDDC Officers, Streetscene, Exmouth Town Council and all the volunteers for their outstanding commitment in preparing the Town for this special competition. Results will be announced in October.
The hope is for a GOLD award in both competitions.