Menston In Bloom

Recent and forthcoming activities, as at 1 April 2010

On 6 February, a Working Party planted hedging - a mix of hawthorn and rose - around the electricity substation and other strategic points in the traffic gyratory system on the A65 (opposite the Hare & Hounds).  Over 300 saplings were planted and some of the debris accumulated in the area was removed.  Once this hedging is established it should screen the outline of the substation and provide both colour and shape to make the gyratory an attractive, as well as a functional, feature.  The species selected will also provide berries and shelter for the bird population.  Last year, MIB members planted a large number of daffodils around the perimeter of the gyratory and it is rewarding to see the daffodils now brightening the area.

                                                                                                                                                                                          

The crocuses and daffodils at Ellar Gardens, which forms one of the 'gateways' to Menston, are a wonderful show at the moment.  This is a little surprising in view of the fact that the grass banks have been heavily used for sledging during the snows of the winter.  The area at the entrance to Ellar Gardens is designated Village Open Space and popular with children and walkers.

It is now two years since Menston in Bloom embarked on its major project for 2008, the Railway Garden, and the results are truly encouraging.  The birches are seemingly well-established, and the primroses are in full bloom around the planted shrubs.  In the next few weeks a Working Party will be replanting the raised beds and removing any weeds, trimming back the hedge and addressing any other matters of concern.

Our major project for 2010 is to improve Butterfield Park.  This rather neglected park has quite a lot of potential, but will need significant effort over more than one year. MIB has a Working Party currently considering the design of the park, and the species of shrubs, flowering trees and bulbs which might flourish there and brighten the whole aspect.  It is very clear that we will need more volunteer labour to make this project more manageable, and anyone who can contribute a few hours would be warmly welcomed.  Please contact Rosemary Mackenzie on 876625 or any other member of the Menston in Bloom committee.

We have achieved a lot for a small village and a small group of activists.  There are, in fact, only about 15 of us routinely and regularly involved, including committee members, and we could achieve so much more if we had more contributors.  We are proud of having achieved a Silver Award in 2006 (our first participation in Yorkshire in Bloom), followed by a Silver Gilt Award in 2007, Silver again in 2008 and 2009.  The judging for 2010 takes place in two sessions: Spring and Summer.  The Spring visit from the Yorkshire in Bloom judges will take place on 19 April - so we haven't long to create a good impression! 

There's a Working Party forming up outside Kirklands at 9.30am on Saturday 10 April, and another one (organised by Ellar Gardens Residents' Association in conjunction with MIB) meeting at the benches in Ellar Gardens at 10.00am on the same day.  Please … if you can help at all, even for only an hour, come along and join in.