The Friends of Honiton Station (FoHS) have showcased their latest ‘Adopt a Pot’ project in time for the judging of the Stations in Bloom competition.
On 22 July, FoHS officially launched their partnership with a number of Honiton-based community groups. The aim of the partnership is to help with regeneration, increase footfall and boost the economy of Honiton.
The groups which have taken part include Honiton Health Matters, Honiton Carers, #BroCheck, Parental Minds, Honiton Scouts, Honiton Carnival Club, The Beehive and Open Arms East Devon.
Each group that is part of the ‘Adopt a Pot’ scheme has produced a piece of original artwork to go on the front of one of the planters at the station, with a small plaque next to it telling visitors about the work each group does to support the community.
Volunteers from each group will be caring for their planters, keeping the plants watered, doing some weeding and adding new plants when the planters need refreshing (with an emphasis on pollinator-friendly and sustainable planting).
The project was inspired by FoHS member and local councillor Jenny Brown. Cllr Brown said: “The last two years have made it more important than ever that we do everything we can to support people’s mental and emotional health, and this initiative is one more way in which we can do our bit in achieving that.”
Martin Long, Chairman of FoHS, said: “Our ambition is that the station should be firmly at the heart of the town and everything that it does. One of our key aims is to support Honiton as a health-promoting town.”
The Stations in Bloom award is an inter-station celebration of community involvement and the wonderful efforts of station volunteers and railway staff across the South Western (SWR) and Great Western Railways (GWR) network.
At Honiton on the 22nd, the judges were able to see the planter project in all its glory, as well as visiting other areas of the station. The station’s history display is located inside the waiting room, which has recently been refurbished by SWR. The Friends highlighted the book swap scheme run by station staff and supported by FoHS, as well as distributing copies of the Honiton Station History booklets, which were written by Martin Long and produced by Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Honiton Station in 2020.
The Stations in Bloom event will culminate on 19 October with a regional awards ceremony being held at Castle Gardens in Sherborne, generously sponsored and hosted by The Gardens Group. All the judges’ recommendations will receive public recognition and awards.
You can keep up to date with the activities and projects of The Friends of Honiton Station on their website.
