Fields' support for Sidmouth recognised

FIELDS has been recognised for its outstanding effort in supporting Britain in Bloom. Its MD, Trevor Roberts, was presented the chairman s cup at last Thursday s Sidmouth in Bloom awards evening at Knowle.

FIELDS has been recognised for its outstanding effort in supporting Britain in Bloom.

Its MD, Trevor Roberts, was presented the chairman's cup at last Thursday's Sidmouth in Bloom awards evening at Knowle.

Accepting the Rosalia Rose Bowl from chairman John Govier, Mr Roberts said: "This is a complete and utter surprise, I am very honoured to accept it."

Mr Govier told him: "This is for outstanding effort. I have waited a long time to present the award to a business that makes a lot of difference to Sidmouth, without which Sidmouth would not be the same.

"It is the first time I have given it to a business but it is long overdue. It is one way of saying thank you."

Trophies and certificates were distributed by June Cox, wife of town council chairman Councillor Tom Cox who opened the evening by saying when considering what should be protected to preserve Sidmouth's character, town councillors unanimously agreed its parks and gardens must be retained.

He praised those present saying: "Your work ensures that one of the most important qualities of Sidmouth isn't simply preserved, but enhanced year on year."

He congratulated Sidmouth in Bloom, its committee and residents for maintaining its run of success in the regional competition.

"It requires dedication, considerable hard work and no little expertise to be so successful in the Britain in Bloom competitions."

Mr Govier said: "You can't get better than gold. I felt myself lucky to get gold this year. We had the worst weather I can remember in all the years the town has done the competition.

"It is going to be more and more important to keep the place nice. There will be a bit more all year round planting to cheer the town up."

He said there had been a problem with weeds in the town and stressed the need for businesses to keep the area around their premises tidy.

Mr Govier also praised EDDC's gardeners for their efforts and thanked Sidmouth Town Council for its support.

"It is very important to the town and very much appreciated," he said.

For the first time this year a biodiversity award was made. Sponsored by Church Street barber John Hollick, who presented the hand-crafted trophy, it was won by Shirley Macfadyen.

Shirley Clarke from the Blue Ball, Sidford, received a new replacement trophy in the pubs with gardens category after the original was burnt when the pub was devastated by fire in 2006.