Brighter Villagers are busy little bees

Members working overtime to spruce up streets

It’s a busy time for members of Stonehouse Brighter Village Project.

Members have been working hard all round the village maintaining existing spaces and putting in new plants.

“We are really kept on our toes at this time of year,” said chairperson Junia Majkut.

“Taking out things that are overgrown and trying to maintain public spaces is our main focus at this time.

“It’s a busy time trying to make the place look nice.

“We take care of the community garden opposite the Co-op and one at the Spar.

“There are also around 20 planters that need watered and maintained – it’s quite a job keeping them all in good order.”

The project also work hard throughout the year fundraising to buy plants, planters and bark for their needs.

“We rely on ourselves pretty much for funds to keep the project going,” added Junia.

“We have car boot sales and local residents and businesses donate too.

“This year we have bought more perennials than annuals.

“It initially is a bigger outlay but over the long run it proves more cost effective for us.”

The project also grow plants themselves, which helps keep the cost down too.

“We were lucky to receive wild flower seed from the Royal Horticultural Society, which we have sown in the wild area of the Community Garden, and one of our members has made a bee hotel to attract bees,” said Junia.

Last year, some local sponsored planters.

“That was a great gesture and we much appreciated it. We are hoping that it will be repeated this year too,” added Junia.

The project was established in 2001 and has around 10 committed members who are around pretty much most of the time – with additional help available during the peak times.

Junia said: “We would really love more people to come on board and help us out. It would make such a difference if we were able to spread the workload a bit more.”

The project meet at 7pm on the first Wednesday of every month in the Back Road pub in Queen Street. “Everyone is businesses welcome to come along – the more the merrier,” said Junia.

During the summer, the group also meet every Tuesday at 6pm opposite the Co-op before heading off to attend to the many chores needing carried out at this busy time.

“Again, any new helpers would be more than welcome.

The project have entered the Beautiful Scotland Competition for the last three years.

Last year they narrowly missed receiving a Silver Award by approximately five points.

Junia said: “We are doing our best to make the place more attractive and it would be nice if some business owners in the village did their bit and spruced up their premises.

“Some places are beginning to look a bit run down.”