WHILE the world’s best footballers are gathered in the US for the World Cup, Mere is celebrating international sporting recognition of its own.

Village bowls player Les Mainwaring has been chosen to represent his country by Bowls England – putting Mere in the spotlight on the international green.

However, far from letting his new-found recognition go to his head, Les was spotted cutting roses for table decorations for Hidden Gardens of Mere weekend, on June 13 and 14, reports George Jeans.

“One garden near the River Shreen had a new spring appear which flooded the nearby house.

“This spring has now been channelled back into the River Shreen which leads on to the River Stour, through a local garden of Talbot Cottage, to great effect.

“In one picture one hen said, “This is my patch”. A tortoise named Twiglet came out to have his picture taken.

“A lovely summers day, finished off well with tea and cake at the Grove Building, with table decorations made from of Les’ roses.”

“Around 350 people-plus came to see the gardens, while around 250 people attended the Mere Model Railway Exhibition over the same period.

“A total of 10 layouts in two halls wer set up at the Lecture Hall. Stand M5 Crossways was of great interest to one child, watching the track literally move with the train carriage on.

“Thomas the Tank Engine was present nipping around the track. Some layouts were so realistic, they looked like full-size landscape.

“One layout had a miniature camera on the train, being displayed on a monitor, which gave the appearance of a real-life train journey.

“The Gardening Club and Mere Model Railway Modellers thanked all for coming. It was a great weekend for all.”

Pictures and words by George Jeans