AFTER the Golden success of last year’s entry, Newton St Cyres-in-Bloom has prepared a three-hour judging route for Mr Bob Ollier, the former Chair of Anglia in Bloom who has moved and joined the South West in Bloom Committee.

Judging will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8, and will include many stops around the village and parish.

Christine Fraser, Newton St Cyres Britain in Bloom Co-ordinator, explained: “From the vegetable and herb planting at the railway station to the glorious woodland of the arboretum, Mr Ollier will also judge first-time entries such as King Fisher Close and the environmental wilding projects near the school and on the village green.

“A new project for 2026 is the ‘Sustainable Travel’ idea to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the Boniface Trail.

Newton St Cyres residents and organisation representatives with the array of awards won by the village in their first-ever entry into the South West in Bloom competition with Christine Fraser, fourth left. AQ 0805
Newton St Cyres residents and organisation representatives with the array of awards won by the village in their first-ever entry into the South West in Bloom competition in 2025 with Christine Fraser, fourth left. AQ 0805 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“Two newcomers to the village, Ann and Bill Sproul, have sourced 12 old bicycles, removed their tyres, pedals and chains, painted them bright colours and attached baskets of flowers to the front and rear.

“The bicycle trail, which starts at Bernaville Nurseries, will lead from The Beer Engine, the School, the church and other key points across the village.

“The judging concludes with a superb lunch for 24 ‘bloomers’ in the village hall, prepared by Jocelyne Rimbon-Whittaker and trust volunteers.

“And the menu? A choice of line-caught sea bass or lamb shanks, rhubarb crumble or elderflower cheese cake, all rounded off with donations of Quicke’s

cheeses.

“Organisers hope the event will be a horticultural feast for the eye and a delicious banquet for the hardworking team.”

And will Newton St Cyres-in-Bloom do well again this year?

The results will not be known until the end of October, but at least that will give the volunteers time for a refreshing beverage at The Beer Engine as they wait!