Cupar in Bloom 2017 new pic

Cupar in Bloom 2017 new pic

INTRODUCTION l The Royal Burgh of Cupar a market town dating back to the 14th century. l A thriving place a 7900 population is enthusiastic and very community spirited. l Cupar In Bloom formed in March 2004 with 8 people, 6 still remain but now the team is 20. Some further volunteers have joined us. l Successes in Beautiful Fife, Beautiful Scotland, Britain in Bloom. l Heritage preserved with a monthly Farmers Market. Agriculture and Horticulture mainstays of the local economy. l Heritage Trail Created in the Millennium year instigated by the Men's Probus Club and identified by a Blue Disc. Pass many of these on the route as heritage is important to a town such as ours. A new group, Cupar Heritage Trust, aim to further this. l Town aiming to be awarded a Green Flag for the Hood Park. l Many partnerships made in order to fulfil our objectives, which are: To make Cupar an attractive and interesting town in which to live, work or visit. April 2017 1

HORTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT October 2016 Autumn l Autumn Take down hanging baskets. Separation of plants. l Emptied boxes and planters entirely. Filled with new compost. l Planted Spring bulbs, mainly tulips hyacinths and tete a tete daffodils. Primulas to be added later. l Discussed how town had looked to allow for any changes. Referred to judges comments sheets. l Attended Beautiful Scotland Seminar. Winter l Begonias bought as 1500 plugs to be reared by us. l Preparation of tunnel and greenhouse areas to accommodate the above plug. Team formed a strong maintenance group some learning new skills. l Heating installed in greenhouse by local electrician free of charge to support us. January 2017 2

Spring HORTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT l Many tulips created a vivid splash of colour. Bluebells flourished at Tarvit Pond. Bright primulas were added to the boxes and planters. l Pride of place given to Spring planting in local gardens. Launch Day for Beautiful Scotland held in April - "Birds Bees and Trees". l Illustrated talk from Caroline Thomson, Backhouse of Rossie Estate, on her National Collection of Daffodils. l Fruit bearing perennials and shrubs planted at Tarvit Pond to attract Wildlife. l Further advancement on Begonia raising for our use and to sell. April 2017 June 2014 Summer l 200 hanging baskets planted and hung throughout the town. 120 planters and tubs. l Emptied planters, added slow release fertiliser to compost in readiness for seasonal planting. l Raised Bed at East Road planted as a combined effort by Cupar in Bloom and Elmwood College. Plants from last year s bed re-cycled at Elmwood college and John Cunningham, our member skilled in this type of bedding, taught students how to accomplish it. l Many planters filled with colours to suit the areas. July 2016 General l A strong upkeep policy in place. 3

HORTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT Wildflower meadow in the Park Clear Down Sunday: Spring plants removed to make way for Summer Planting. April 2017 4

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY l All weather Sports Pitch is very popular. Outdoor learning is much encouraged. l All schools very involved in "Grow Your Own". l Helped Bell Baxter High School with their Health Week giving advice on planting and upkeep. This is a community involvement event. l Elmwood Campus gives all schools good support with advice and plants. May 2017 March 2017 April 2017 5

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY l Much joint work done at Tarvit Pond by people from different organisations. l Schools use it for their outdoor learning. Bird sanctuary - our "Bird Lady" feeds the birds daily. Has detected many species. l Explorer Scouts helped to plant native bluebells and snowdrops. l Bugs and Beasties 5- star hotel built by us given a "facelift" by working with children at an evening club run by Cupar Y. Motifs of creatures painted by them as added attractions. l Two members have worked to improve the water quality at the pond while safeguarding the sceretive habitat for wild life. l Bat project accomplished in 2015. Bat, robin and tit boxes increased. l Red squirrel boxes made by a Group member and sold to local people. l Litter picks organised by various groups. l Participated in Bell Baxter Schools Health Week. 6

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY Greening Up Grey Britain for Health and Happinness ROTARY MEMORIAL BED How the garden has matured in 2 years (below). March 2016 7

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT l Hold a successful Annual Launch Day (April) - pictured. l Man the gates at Fife Agricultural Show (May). l Participate in events and give assistance at all schools. (All year round) l Great support given to us by residents - support events, businesses - sponsorship, organisations - donations. l Excellent co operation given by Fife Council for our needs. April 2017 April 2016 April 2017 May 2017 8

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT l Two coffee mornings held - February and July. l Christmas Fayre - November. l "From Field To Plate" - Highly successful day held with Elmwood Campus featuring horticultural and cookery demonstrations. All plants and vegetables used grown by students. l Two street collections held - June and October. May 2017 May 2017 May 2017 9

THE FUTURE Future Developments l Continue to make developments at Tarvit Pond - beneficial to the whole community. l More sustainable planting. l The Spires project will mature. l Work with SRUC Elmwood Campus to plant the raised bed on East Road. which is an educational project. l Work with Cupar Y to form a Junior Gardeners Group. l Continue to encourage new members to the group. FUNDING 2015-16 Elmwood Campus FUND-RAISING EVENTS Sponsor a bulb - street collection (October) cancelled due to inclement weather. Christmas Fayre (November)...1145.05 Coffee Morning (February)...727.00 Sponsor a Bulb - street collection (May)...489.30 Food Tasting (May)...1157.20 Coffee Morning (July)... 743.01 Sale of Begonias (July)...532.50 4794.06 DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP Sponsorship from businesses... 6460.00 Floral Enhancement Grant...429.00 Fife Agricultural Association...500.00 Lodge No 19 Coupar o' Fife...100.00 ScotRail....788.60 Donations... 805.23 Grant funding...2429.00 11511.83 Total 4794.06+ 11511.83 = 16305.89 Pathheads Nurseries Bulbs 4 U MAIN EXPENDITURE Tony Chater (Watering hanging baskets) Pentland Plants 10

Appendix: NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS l Excellent coverage of our events by The Courier and the Fife Herald News. l All events well advertised in advance. David Scott, Links Media, takes photographs at our events. l Annual Newsletter published. Weekly report in Cupar News of Local press. l Leaflet about us available for distribution at tourist board and other establishments, l Town produces a monthly Diary of Events - we are included. l Group members invited to give short talks on our work to other community groups and often a monetary collection is taken.

Appendix: NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS