Joy for Joy thanks to Sid Vale Association!

SIDMOUTH in Bloom’s 40th anniversary celebrations have been handed a �7,000 boost by the Sid Vale Association (SVA).

The huge cash sum from the Keith Owen Fund was hailed as “vital” by hard working bloom leaders.

The grant was awarded in order to boost floral delights such as Fred the Peacock, Seaworld and a raised celebration bed at the Three Cornered Plot.

Handel Bennett, Keith Owen Fund Grants Committee chairman, said: “This award is in recognition of all those, led by Joy Seward, who have given their time and their talents, their enthusiasm and their energy, consistently and ceaselessly, to make Sidmouth such a wonderful place to enjoy and in which to live.

“Their efforts over 40 years must have encouraged many visitors to make significant decisions to invest millions of pounds in Sidmouth- by making it their home. Thankfully, many of those who have retired here have contributed their voluntary efforts to the SVA.”

Joy Seward, president of Sidmouth in Bloom, told the Herald: “It’s absolutely fantastic. We just wouldn’t be able to keep going without the help of the Keith Owen Fund. Keith would be proud of what Sidmouth in Bloom has done for the town.

“We are thrilled and will always do whatever possible to do the good things he wanted for Sidmouth, for as long as we can. Its extremely difficult raising money with all the cuts and we’ve had to do a lot of extra things.”

Sidmouth in Bloom is looking for volunteers. Anyone interested can e-mail Joy at joy.seward@virgin,net.