THE ORGANISERS of Astwood Bank in Bloom have spoken about the issues caused by the constant rain.
Astwood Bank was last week named as just one of three areas in the UK where it has rained for more than 43 consecutive days.
The statistic, along with the other two areas – North Wyke in Devon and Cardinham in Cornwall, were revealed on social media by the Met Office.
The forecaster said: “Feel like the rain hasn’t stopped?
“For some places, it really hasn’t.”
It then listed the trio which were three days ahead of the next highest consecutive-day rainfall areas.
Sam Mulhall from Astwood Bank in Bloom said: “The rain is not letting up.
“We hit the national news last year when we were the hottest place in the UK during a heatwave – it’s almost like we have our own microclimate here in Astwood Bank.”
She added Astwood Bank Carnival took place last year, during the heatwave and a lot of people struggled with the heat – especially youngsters as the adults battled to find them sufficient shade.
Stressful for plants
Sam added the extreme weather affected the plants, as well as the residents.
“It puts a lot of stress on the plants – the leaves on some of them are rotting and there is a high risk to them.
“Astwood Bank in Bloom started 10 years ago with 12 volunteers and we now have more than 50 members, although still a core number of 12.
“Our work does depend heavily on the weather – we have so many outdoor activities, including planting out the planters.”
Sam and, fellow in bloom volunteer Alyson, have been out and about recently, planning for the Astwood Bank Open Gardens event which is returning to the village for the first time in three years.
The event is triennial and also alternates between Feckenham and Cookhill.
“The Open Gardens takes place on June 13 and 14 and, ahead of that, myself and Alyson have been visiting gardens, checking out what they will be offering and, equally importantly, that they are safe and secure places.
“It has been tough with all this rain – we have just had to put on our coats, grab our umbrellas and get on with it.”
According to folklore, it is said if it rains on St Swithin’s Day, it is supposed to rain for 40 days and nights – but that is later on in the year on July 15.
Anyone wanting to find out more about Astwood Bank and the events can visit: astwoodbankcg.co.uk or: facebook.com/AstwoodBankCarnival
