Bexhill youth given heraldic challenge

Now as Bexhill celebrates the centenary of the granting of its Borough Coat of Arms, former teacher Peter Fairhurst has developed a "Plant of Arms" competition for the town's young people.

With the aid of beautifully produced colour artwork, he explained at last Friday's launch of Bexhill In Bloom 2007 this year's youth and schools competition.

The young people's challenge will be to design their own coat of arms - and then plant and grow it in flowers.

Cllr Fairhurst and Bexhill in Bloom chairman Sandra Melvin will be among six "virtual advisors" ready to share their knowledge by answering competitors' questions on-line.

Outlining this year's Bexhill In Bloom plans, Sandra Melvin told guests at St Peter's Community Centre: "We are purchasing three large tubs to be placed in Devonshire Square and are currently looking for sponsorship.

"We have already located one sponsor, Stuart Cowley-Wenham of Earl's Bakery.

"They cost 400 each to include compost and plants.

"They will have the sponsor's name on the side and once in situ are permanent.

"Anyone interested, please let me know."

Inviting traders and public alike to take part in this year's Bexhill in Bloom, she said: "You do no have to be a member to enter Bexhill in Bloom; you just need a garden that can be seen from the road.

"I know some people are worried about lack of water. Water conservation is not about saving water. It is not about wasting water.

"There are water retention measures that can be taken when planting. We have lists of drought-tolerant plants, trees and shrubs available."

She said the closing date for this year's competition was June 30. Entry forms should be submitted at the Bexhill Observer office at 18 Sackville Road.

"As well as a name and address, we required a telephone number. This is useful as sometimes we are not able to find an entry and we can ring for directions.

"Plus, an e-mail address is useful. That way you can be informed - especially if you have won an award. If we don;t have to pay postage it keeps our costs down.

"Entry forms will be available at various outlets throughout the town, including the Bexhill Observer office."

Bexhill In Bloom competition categories are:

*Hotel, guest house, rest or nursing home.

*Private front gardens - formal or informal

*Container garden

*Balcony

*Retail business

*Licensed premises

*Special awards

*Good garden design

*Best overall area

*Youth effort