Villagers accused of apathy

By Kate Maxwell

A GARDEN competition which earns the winner £50 and a challenge cup might be abandoned for a second time due to a lack of interest.

Organisers of the garden competition in Reydon said they were disappointed only two entries have been received so far – and they appealed to villagers to shake off their apparent apathy and get weeding for a bit of fun.

Parish councillor Paddy Walker said: "I can't understand it, no-one seems to be interested. Last year we had to cancel it and it seems we might have to do the same this year.

"People just don't seem to care. Nobody seems to support the parish council unless there's something that affects them directly.

"We've got lots of beautiful gardens in the village, so I say 'Come on Reydon, where are you? Wake up'."

Fellow parish councillor Barrie Remblance added the prize money had been increased this year to try to entice more entries.

"We've upped the prize money from £25 to £50, but people don't seem to want to do it this year. In the past we've had 12 or more entries, so it's very disappointing," he said.

"Things are a bit quiet and sleepy round here. We don't get much interest in parish council meetings unless there's something going on and then we get a whole street."

The competition is for the Best Kept Garden and the gardens entered can be front or back, big or small. Entry is free and competition forms are available from Reydon post office.

Mrs Walker and horticulturalist David Woods, who lives in Reydon, will judge the competition on July 25.

The owner of the winning garden will be presented with a cheque and a silver cup at the Reydon Show at the beginning of August.

kate.maxwell@eadt.co.uk