After what seemed like an eternity we received the results and Judges' comments for the "Yorkshire in Bloom" summer judging. Disappointingly we only achieved silver again. Their comments included that in public areas (not under our control) there were too many weeds, street furniture, railings, etc. needed painting, and street waste bins had open tops so that litter bags in them were blown inside out and the rubbish ended back on the street. As these matters come under the jurisdiction of the Town or District Councils we will obviously have to liaise with both bodies to sort out these problems before we enter again next year.
        Despite this hiccup all our volunteers are looking forward to 2009 and by the time the Beacon is in your home our Spring planting programme will be carried out, and we will all be looking forward to a rest and enjoying the thoughts of Christmas and the New Year – which seem to come around much faster the older one gets!! I can promise, once again, a riot of colour to cheer you all up.
        From our "feed back" this year we feel that the extra thought and work we put into the gardens, tubs etc. came through, with really colourful displays both in Spring and Summer. Also our perennial gardens are now getting more established and the plants in them are spreading and multiplying, giving a colourful display in all the seasons. Our sincere thanks to all the kind people who have donated plants for these gardens – every little does help.
        We now have three more volunteers and two who have re-joined after "time out" for personal reasons. Nevertheless anyone out there who would like to help please do contact me – remember as little as one hour per week is invaluable so do come along – the more the merrier.'
        Some of you may have noticed that the mangers are now in place on the roundabout barriers. These are due to the kind sponsorship of Barclays Bank, and their staff who planted them up before going home from work. I would also like to mention here the local businesses who sponsor our tubs and others who donate every Spring to cover the costs of Summer planting. With only one or two exceptions they all welcome me with a smile and a donation when they see me appear with my receipt book. Our grateful thanks to them all.
        As always, I thank the great bunch of people who volunteer to keep the town looking at its best, and know that the familiar hi-viz jackets will once more be out and about helping to keep Pickering IN BLOOM.
Compliments of the Season to all The Beacon readers.

Eileen Blakeley.