Well done all you bloomers

We take too much for granted and give too little praise in mid-Somerset.
This summer was the seventh wettest on record yet all our towns and many of our villages still managed to boast splendid floral displays.
Sadly, too many people walk by without realising that the flowers are not plastic, do not appear of their own accord and are not provided by a local council with taxpayers’ money.
No, they are the result of months of quiet work by small groups of unpaid volunteers, who are not afraid of getting hands dirty with planting, regular watering and weeding.
Apart from unhelpful weather, their bugbears are dim-witted vandals and even thieves, who can spoil carefully-crafted displays in a thoughtless or selfish moment.
A brief moment of praise comes annually at the Mendip in Bloom presentation evening, where prizes are given and kind words said. This year’s event was in Wells Town Hall last week.
Administrative support comes from Martin Lofthouse at Mendip District Council and prizes are provided by sponsors, including Mid Somerset News & Media, Gaymer Cider Company, Glastonbury Festivals Ltd and Angela Yeoman.
But the volunteers deserve more credit. So next time you see someone working on a floral display in your town, city or village, please stop and offer a word of appreciation.
Philip Welch