PLANTERS
There was a celebratory mood when a number of groups met at the Barbush roundabout at the north end of Dunblane. Coming together were Interactors (junior Rotarians) from Queen Victoria School, Dunblane, representatives from Dunblane in Bloom, Molawn, and Rotarians from the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club.
And the reason for the sense of celebration? The successful completion of a project by the Interactors, supported by a grant from the Co-op community fund, that involved renewing some 40 decaying wooden planters, located around Dunblane, with new planters constructed from recycled plastic. Lorna Sherriff, Head of Technical Studies at Queen Victoria School, said: ‘I’m really proud of what the Interactors have completed. This project allowed them to have a really hands-on experience, and to provide support for the local community. It's great for them to see the planters that they've made bringing colour and cheer to the town.’
Representing Dunblane in Bloom, who organised the materials and who provide the ongoing maintenance of the planters, Stewart Strathdee and George Matthews were full of praise for the Interactors. The old planters, they said, were on their last legs and urgently needed replacing. The new planters, they agreed, look really well and have brought a new lease of life to the floral displays around the town. They also thanked George Morrison and the Molawn team for providing the slabbed areas for the planters.
Also present was Rotary President Russell Wheater who expressed his admiration for the success of the project. The Rotary “Welcome” message now appears on planters on the main roads into Dunblane.
And what next? Well, so impressive has been the work of the Interactors that they have been commissioned by Scotrail to provide ten new planters for the Dunblane station.
And now? In addition to all this work, and for the second year running, the Interactors are helping Breda Seaman from the Memory Café by preparing 120 Christmas hampers for elderly members of the local community.