This year we did it a bit differently. A scaled down version with Derek Beer visiting all the stations from Tisbury to Exeter and Okehampton and Barnstaple and Derek accompanied by Chantelle Bacon ( South Wessex CRP officer) and Caroline (BVCRP) visiting stations along the South Wessex line.
On the awards morning it was touch and go if any volunteers would make it as there were so few train running due to a fault with the Tisbury signal but the rail replacement buses did their stuff and by 2pm everyone was seated enjoying a welcome cup of tea and a delicious cream tea, generously sponsored by Castle Gardens. Conor Smith gave a great show singing uplifting songs and getting everyone in the spirit of the event. Alex Bowdery captured the spirit of the event so well with his great photographs of the event – below. ( Playmotion Visuals (@playmotionvisuals) • Instagram photos and videos and Playmotion Visuals | south west video production company | Dorset, Shaftesbury, UK)
Throughout the event volunteers told their stories of how they continued to water during the hot summer. Many volunteers making special trips taking water from home to water plants early morning and late evening. One volunteer filled a drum full of water from home and rigged up a trolley to ensure all plants were watered. Champions each and every one.
Thanks to Derek Beer who hosted the event with panache and anecdotes creating much laughter to ripple throughout the venue. Special big thanks to Louise Burks of Castle Gardens who presented the awards to everyone and to Castle Gardens for sponsoring the event. We couldn’t do it without you all.
