In March of 2007, as a member of the Canford Cliffs Land Society (CCLS), I was invited to join the Committee of Poole in Bloom.  My first project together with the CCLS was to improve Bessborough Road and to make it once again a sylvan walk for both residents and visitors to Canford Cliffs.

In mid May of this year the CCLS hand delivered a letter to businesses in the village regarding the unappealing appearance of the village during the summer months and at Christmas.  The society decided that one of its major projects should be to try to make the Village a much more attractive place for the people working there, for the residents and, of course the holiday-makers.

Haven Road Planters

Thus on July 18 2007 the Canford Cliffs Traders Association was formed.  Working in Partnership with Canford Cliffs in Bloom (CCIB) and with the help of Cllr May Haines their first project was to install four three-tier planters on the footpath at each end of Haven Road.  Two were donated by Borough of Poole (BoP) and two sponsored by Magna Motors and John Butterworth of FJB Hotels.  These planters now welcome everyone into the village.  At the same time CCLS sponsored a bench to sit alongside the planter outside the Magna Motors showroom.

In September Canford Cliffs' residents took part in a Street Audit sponsored by BoP.  It was encouraging to see so many residents and local businesses take part in a community activity.  A long list of enhancements was noted for further action by the council.

Award Winning Efforts

In October the management of our local Spar won a Best Small Retail Outlet in Poole award from Poole in Bloom (PIB) for the attractive planting outside their shop.  During that same month children from Lilliput First School, who also won a PIB prize for their bog garden, planted bulbs along side the wooded area close to the Loch Fyne restaurant.

In November CCIB proposed the Poole Flying Boat Celebration for a specially contracted carpet bedding design in the Charity Bed at Poole Park; that has now been accepted and the bed will be planted in June 2008.

Our final project for 2007 was the Christmas lights that put on a glittering display for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

Spring Planting

In February 2008 children aged from four to eight years, all pupils of Sylvan First School, planted daffodil bulbs on the verges of Bessborough Road.  Chair of the school's governors, Brenda Green, lives locally and very kindly invited the children into her home for drinks and biscuits after their hard work.