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Places to visit

Sidmouth in Bloom Jute Shopping Bags:- Members of our committee talked about these a while ago realising that plastic bags are no longer 'cool' but are helping to 'heat' our planet.It was not until we saw Modbury introduce their bags that we put our thoughts into action and found a local Cornish company 'Go Jute' that could supply us. The bags are produced in India by a company that has applied for IFAT fairtrade status. Both the Indian and the local Cornish company are Carbon Zero.The laminate inside the bag is vegetable based as are the inks used for printing.They have comfortable handles.

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Locally they are available from the Tourist Information Centre, The Kingswood and Elizabeth Hotels or our president

The Wicker Donkey :-

Somerset has its Willow man but Sidmouth has it's Donkey.

Our Chairman John Govier was talking to Dr Elizabeth Svendson (now retired) and asked her if she could think of a way the Donkey Sanctuary could be involved with our town's floral displays, and 'Sidmouth in Bloom'. Dr Svendson asked Tim Mason the Sanctuary's head gardener if he would make a life sized willow Donkey. Tim devoted 3 month's of his spare time to making the Donkey which. It is brilliant and our town is indebted to him. It can be seen just across the footpath from Sidmouth's famous Peacock. At the end of the summer the Donkey returns to the Donkey Sanctuary for the winter.

New Fire Engine

As a committee, we agreed with our Chairman that our local Fire Station and their sterling work needed to be highlighted. So Nick Bevis who made our fish was commissioned to make a fire engine frame, to be ready in time for planting up.

12th May and its positioning was being tested a month and 3 days later and Alan was lowering it into position whilst some or our local part-time fire men and women were checking it out whilst Simon from the Sidmouth Herald took pictures.

'A Passion for Plants' The BBC are making a film about the RHS entitled a Passion for Plants. Britain in Bloom is run by the RHS and we are delighted that the BBC have chosen to follow Sidmouth in Bloom's entry into the National Finals. Preliminary filming has introduced Joy, President, and Caroline, Secretary, as they walk around the town looking at all the newly planted areas and giving encouragement to local traders. The film crew will be visiting Sidmouth again to follow them around on judging day and will also be at the Awards Ceremony in Coventry in September.