Dunblane in Bloom Planters

PLANTERS

In 2019, George Matthews and Eric Lord, members of the Dunblane in Bloom, came up with an idea for new planters to replace the existing green wooden ones located around Dunblane. The plan was to use boards made from 100% recycled British plastic waste to ensure the longevity of the planters. As a pilot, they built the first two that are now in situ at Dunblane train station. 

In 2020, Dave Sherriff, a technology teacher in Perth High School, joined the Dunblane in Bloom group as a volunteer. He learnt about the plan to replace 28 planters across Dunblane and transferred the drawings for the prototypes into a computer aided design programme. A bid was then successfully made to the local Co-op store for a grant for the materials needed. 

Hearing about the project from her husband, Lorna Sherriff, Head of Technical Studies at Queen Victoria School, suggested that it might be a great opportunity for the Interact Club (young Rotarians) to work together with Dunblane in Bloom volunteers. That proposal having been enthusiastically agreed, the materials were scheduled to be delivered in January 2021, with the Interactors planning to start constructing the planters towards the end of January. 

Unfortunately, they were faced with the second lockdown, with pupils not returning to school until April. As a result, in February, Lorna and Dave, together with David Breingan, Head of Music, started work. They made four small planters prior to the Easter break to ensure that they knew exactly how they fitted together, and that they could iron out any teething issues that might occur in the manufacturing stage.  

The pupils returned after the Easter break and there was an immediate response from the Interactors who were keen to help with this venture. They have since worked hard making the planters, and almost as quickly as they have been made, the Dunblane in Bloom volunteers were planting them up in town. 

Summing up the success of the project, Lorna said: “Our students get a lot out of the volunteering. This project allowed them to get into the workshops and have a really hands-on experience, as well as supporting the local community. They have learned new skills and worked really well together as a team. It's great for them to see the planters that they've played such an active part in creating bringing colour and cheer to the town.”