Return to Britain in Bloom contest for Sidmouth

SIDMOUTH will return to the Britain in Bloom contest for 2010 after taking a break this year.

SIDMOUTH will return to the Britain in Bloom contest for 2010 after taking a break this year.

Sidmouth in Bloom committee has told Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council of its intention to enter next year's South West in Bloom competition.

The committee underwent several major changes earlier this year, including the retirement of its chairman, John Govier, after a record-breaking 38 years in post.

But it was changes to the competition judging criteria, made by the Royal Horticultural Society, that decided the committee to take a sabbatical from the South West in Bloom competition this year because barely half the points needed to obtain gold were given to flowers and floral displays, which Sidmouth is renowned for.

At the time, Sidmouth bloom president Joy Seward thought the rule change would put off many small towns from competing, saying: "I think the RHS is treating us as a lot of experienced people, we are not, we are keen amateurs."

Now, said Mrs Seward, the committee is planning to hold a fashion show in November to raise funds for next year's contest and is looking for models "of all sizes" and in December wants to run a mince pie and mulled wine morning fundraiser.

She said: "We are very determined and hope the community will back us in keeping Sidmouth clean and tidy.