New bowser helps Lhanbryde to bloom
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THE task of watering the hanging baskets which brighten a Moray village has just become a lot easier.
Lhanbryde and District Gardening Club have taken receipt of a portable bowser and watering pole.
That means the days of members clambering up ladders with watering cans to get the job done have now been consigned to the past.
Cash for the new equipment came from a participatory budgeting scheme, funded by the Scottish Government and run by the Church of Scotland.
Club secretary Gail Mands said: "The Gardening Club has funded and maintained lamp post hanging baskets and two flower beds within the village for a number of years now.
"The funding for keeping the village looking beautiful comes through sponsorship from local businesses and residents.
"As you can imagine feeding and watering the baskets is quite a task and was previously all done by hand with watering cans and ladders – not the safest job on a busy road!
"In March we were advised by one of the clubs members about a grant scheme where we could apply for funding for our group.
"After the very hot summer and difficult watering conditions it was agreed to apply to the scheme for a contribution towards a water bowser which would make watering a lot easier."
The club submitted its bid to the St Andrews-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church Participatory Budgeting Steering Group before giving a presentation during a voting event alongside other hopefuls.
Mrs Mands said: "A vote was then taken for the top five to be presented with a share of the grant.
"We were fortunate to be successful in the vote and were awarded £800 towards our water bowser. The remainder of the costs were met by the club and the new bowser purchased in time for the replanting of the baskets.
"The bowser has made a huge difference to the club, it is now a lot easier to water the high baskets and as it is mobile there's not so many trips to refill."
The club added its thanks to David Morrison, at Keystore, who allows club members to refill at the rear of the shop, as well as various other residents along St Andrews Rd who also allow the volunteers to refill when needed.
"We are also grateful to have been given the opportunity to apply for a grant which has been so beneficial to the club and was well organised by the Church," Mrs Mands added.
