On Britain in Bloom judging day a team of willing volunteers were up bright and early to do a final sweep of the harbour area and to look once more for any bits of litter and cigarette ends. After a shower of rain the day gradually got brighter and by late morning the sun had come out.
The judges, Rae Beckwith and Roger Burnett, arrived on the first boat and were met by Herm Britain in Bloom committee members, Brett Moore, James Cordingley and Lesley Bailey. The team had 3 hours to show Herm them all the work that has taken place within the four aspects of Britain in Bloom: horticulture, sustainability, environment and community. It is not just about bedding plants put out just for the summer months! All along the route which started in the gardens of The White House Hotel to the Gift shops and The Mermaid Tavern islanders came out to meet the judges and told them what part they had played in the Herm Britain in Bloom entry.
The judges were very impressed with the steps that have been taken at The Mermaid Tavern to reduce waste. Previously sauces such as mustard and ketchup was given to guests in individual sachets. At the start of this season, Tom Jones, the manager of The Mermaid Tavern invested in holders for each table which hold small bottles of sauces. Once empty these bottles can be recycled. Another initiative is no longer selling cider in bottles - local cider producer, Rocquettes, now makes cider to sell by draught. This means that bottles are no longer being imported into Herm full of cider and then exported off Herm empty!
At Herm school Mr Burnett and Mr Beckwith were greeted by the children who were all dressed up in Shakespeare outfits. The children were proud to show off their Shakespearean and then they performed a few relevant scenes from their end-of-year concert, such as the three witches' use of hemlock in Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet's 'a rose by any other name' balcony scene.
The judging tour finished at Shell Beach cafe where islanders had gathered to greet the judges. Just before the judges left for lunch at The White House Hotel they gave an impromptu speech and said how impressed they were with the community spirit in Herm and the ongoing efforts with recycling and with retaining the natural environment. Mr Burnett said 'Whatever the outcome of the Britain in Bloom competition, you are all winners anyway, as you've created a beautiful environment for visitors to enjoy.'
The results will be announced at the Britain in Bloom award ceremony which takes place at Chester racecourse on September 24th 2008.
Meanwhile, if you haven't ordered your copy of the Herm Britain in Bloom portfolio do so now, whilst stocks last. (Click on the page on the right.)
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| Herm resident Lesley Bailey with Britain in Bloom judges Roger Burnett and Rae Beckwith. |
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| Brett Moore does a 'piece to camera' for Channel TV during the media slot of the Herm Britain in Bloom judging tour. |