It all started innocently enough some months ago when I agreed to take on responsibility for floral enhancement for Burntisland at one of the Community Council meetings. Aware of the fact that, by this time, summer planting was well established and in fact starting to fade, I suggested that perhaps we should wait until next spring. "Oh it should be easy enough, Sheila, to just pop a few conifers and bulbs into some pots" said Alex MacDonald, our Chairman. I am now wondering what I have let myself in for because my aim for the future is to enter the town into the 'Best Kept Town in Fife' competition in 2007!
Earlier in the year, we had been given a grant by Fife Council. My view was that, being so far into the season, we should spend this money on quality containers from a reliable source. During the next few weeks on my travels around the region, I kept a look out for something appropriate, visiting various manufacturers and garden centres. Then one day, travelling through Auchterarder to meet up with some friends for a game of golf, I shouted to my husband to hit the brakes as I had seen just what I had in mind - Amberol products magnificently planted up all along Auchterarder High Street.
In September, one of their representatives travelled up from Derby to give a demonstration of the Amberol range to various members of Burntisland Community Council. We were impressed not just with the robustness of the product but in particular with its watering system - a double walled design creating a large water reservoir which extends the period of time between waterings - my main source of concern. The double walled construction also keeps the unit cool in summer and provides insulation during the cold winter months. We placed an order for two containers, one a three tiered black fountain and the other a large promenade planter in black with a gold trim and bearing the Burgh Coat of Arms. This was a major purchase which used up this year's grant but the Parks and Amenity Department of Fife Council very kindly provided us with a considerable quantity of compost to enable us to plant up the containers to give some interest over the winter months. Our first two containers are now sited at either side of the entrance to the Burgh Chambers to give a focal point to the High Street. Next year, I am hoping to provide containers for the four entrances to the town but it will require a certain level of sponsorship to achieve this aim. So if you are a business who wishes to sponsor a container or if you wish to dedicate a container as a memorial to a family member, please get in touch with me. The more sponsors we get, the quicker our town will bloom.
I recently attended a Bloom Campaign Seminar hosted by Beautiful Scotland in Bloom where it was stressed that any Blooms Campaign is for and must have the support of the community. I intend to prepare an Action Plan to address not just floral enhancement but problem areas in the town and I should therefore like to ask for volunteers to assist me with the various projects. I would also like to involve the likes of the primary schools and youth organisations. Also, if you are willing to give of your time to help me with such things as planting up in the spring, moving containers into position, sponsoring a container or doing a spot of fundraising, please get in touch with me on 01592 874085. Assistance of a practical nature and any suggestions would be appreciated. I will highlight the various criteria looked for by judges in the next issue of Burgh Buzz.
Burntisland is a beautiful town. It is our town. We now have a chance to make it even more beautiful so let's grab it.
Sheila McGregor