ONE of England's oldest hotels is celebrating its 600th anniversary - with flowers.
The Swan Hotel, in Wells, welcomed its first guests back in 1422, when nine-month-old Henry VI became king and travellers on horseback needed a place to rest as they made their way across the Mendip Hills.
Current owner Kevin Newton said: “There are many original features in the hotel and in recent years we have transformed it into a four-star hotel that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
"We opened up the garden with its view of the West Front of the cathedral and we wanted something special there to mark the significant anniversary."
So Mr Newton contacted health and wellbeing charity Heads Up, who ran workshops for local people to create a stunning display of flowers made from recycled plastic.
The 600 blooms have been installed outside the hotel - one for each year the Swan has been providing bed, board and good food for visitors to the city.
Mr Newton added: “The people at Heads Up have done a magnificent job with such vibrant colours.
"We hope people who come to look at them will donate to the charity.
“The last few years have been tough for everyone during the pandemic, especially those with dementia or mental health issues, so the creative activity and social network that Heads Up provides for local people has become even more vital.”
Heads Up offers activities for people coping with mental health or dementia, including woodcraft, pottery, gardening and well-being.
Stocks of plastic bottles were donated by the public to be turned into the creation.
Service director Bridget Harvey, who founded Heads Up ten years ago, said: “Many people were involved collecting and washing the clear bottles, cutting the shapes, spraying them and making them into 600 flowers. It has been a real community effort.
“The Swan Hotel has been a great supporter of the charity and the installation will help raise awareness and some funds to keep us going.”
The flowers will be on display throughout the summer.
Information on the charity can be found at www.headsupsomerset.org.uk and the Swan Hotel at www.swanhotelwells.co.uk
