Pride in my town

I saw on Facebook someone expressing the view that there was a poor display of floral colour in the streets of the historic market town of Romsey this year.
I am afraid I have to disagree.  While it is true that not every business in the town centre is bestowed with hanging baskets, the evidence is there for everyone to see that there is still an abundance of colour, be it by way street planters, hanging baskets or landscaped roundabouts on the approaches to the town.
The Market Place itself as the focal point for the town boasts  an array of colour and this Polaroid Blipfoto view of the town’s Conservative Club from the central statue of former townsman and Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston shows just how the town has come alive this year and more so than some commercial centres I know.
Whose responsibility anyway is it to see that the town reflects the joy of living and working in place by way of the manner in which it is dressed and adorned — the town council, the Chamber of Trade or individual shopkeepers and residents. I fancy that all must have a hand in it somewhere along the line, although at home quite naturally it is down to me.
You’ll probably gather that I am proud to be a resident of Romsey and its nearby villages, and although not born here, the area has been my home for nigh on 45 years. So I reckon that I can claim the privilege of being part of the town by now.

And it is colourful displays like in this corner of Romsey that gives me a kick out of living here.