Stone In Bloom volunteers have been extra busy making sure that displays around the town are not lost during the heatwave.
Volunteers have been watering the wildflower beds in Stonefield Park and around Stone, as well as the vegetable patches that played a big part in this year’s Heart of England in Bloom campaign, to prevent them being scorched by the summer sun.
Martin Robinson and other volunteers were in Stonefield Park and elsewhere last night to water plants and flowers. Martin said: “No sooner have you watered everything, the soil is bone dry again. We’re really keen to water the displays by the plane tree in Granville Square – there’s thousands of pounds worth of shrubs there – but we’re trying to keep on top of all the other displays and vegetable patches too. It’s hard work at the moment, but it would be a disaster to lose the plants and flowers.”
Could you help Stone In Bloom during this hot weather? The group is run entirely by volunteers. Call 01785 818889 or 077364 13097 to get involved.
One Stone business, meanwhile, finds itself drowning in duvets as the temperatures show no sign of dipping! Mayfair dry cleaners in Stafford Street have been inundated with people taking the opportunity to get their heavy-tog winter quilts cleaned while they’re not needed. Staff say summer is always busy with duvets – but that the heatwave is leading to unprecedented numbers. There are over 50 duvets currently waiting for collection! Mayfair have appealed to anyone who’s dropped a duvet off to collect as soon as possible as they’re running out of space.
Stay safe in the sun
Staffordshire County Council has urged people to stay safe during the heatwave, and to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and family members.
Councillor Robbie Marshall, Cabinet Member for Health and Well Being, said: “We are now officially in a heatwave and people need to be aware of the dangers of high temperatures, particularly to babies and young children, the elderly and people who are ill. And please remember to check up on any friends, relatives and neighbours you know who, for whatever reason, may be less able to look after themselves.”
Top tips for sun safety:
- The most important thing is to avoid the sun altogether between 11am and 3pm, which is the hottest part of the day, if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat
- Wear loose, cool clothing plus a hat if you do go outdoors, wear sunglasses with lenses that have adequate protection levels and use sunscreen with high rating factors of both UVA and UVB protection
- Make sure you drink cold drinks, such as water and fruit juice, regularly whilst avoiding tea, coffee and especially alcohol
- If you are planning a barbecue with family and friends make sure you are using safe equipment purchased from reputable companies and cook all food thoroughly to avoid tummy upsets
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough water and any medications with you if you are travelling and stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website, so you have the most up-to-date information.
