Final push to get Spalding Flower Parade over the finish line
There’s less than a month to go until the revived Spalding Flower Parade - with volunteers engaged in a final push to get everything ready.
From fundraising to float building to crafting and even applying to take on a role on parade day, organiser Stephen Timewell is still relying on people power to get him over the finish line.
Arguably one of the most important requests is for marshals who will look after the closed roads.
“I could do with another ten marshals,” said Steve.
“We’ve got loads of volunteers already but I’d appreciate a few more.
“They just need to complete an online course - which is about 45 minutes long - and then spend an hour or so manning a road closure on the day.”
There will be 52 road closures in place around Spalding on Saturday, May 13. The closures will be ‘rolling’, meaning as soon as the parade has passed through, the roads will reopen.
While times might vary, Market Place and Hall Place, along with Sheep Market and its car park, are set to be closed from 5pm on the Friday.
There will also be parking restrictions in place on Queen’s Road, Halmer Gate, Church Street, Holbeach Road, West Elloe Avenue and New Road.
Steve is in the process of sending out letters to all residents who may be affected by the planned closures and restrictions.
Last minute push for crafters to make decorations to adorn parade floats
Tens of thousands of knitted and crocheted items have already been made by a movement of crafters - but a few more are needed.
There is a need for flowers, woodland items, wildlife and dinosaurs.
Fabric flowers would also be welcome.
Any crafted items can be dropped off at Spalding Library.
Fundraising events are still continuing in the lead up to the parade
Spalding baker Tracey Wells raised £600 through a recent bake sale at her home in Woolram Wygate.
Tracey, who runs company BakerWell, spent two days baking a wide selection of delicious treats before selling them from her garden cake and tea stall.
The next day, she sold the remaining cakes at the Morrisons charity event.
Tracey says she has many happy memories of the parade and was determined to get involved in some way.
‘’It’s a wonderful opportunity to help a wonderful event,” she said.
“I’m so pleased I could do something.”
How to watch from home
There will be many people who might not be able to visit Spalding on parade day - even if they want to see the big return.
With this in mind, Steve has arranged a live stream of the event to be broadcast online.
“There are so many people all over the country and the world who will be missing it,” he said.
“I’ve got most of the equipment I need to do it and I’ve got some very tech savvy volunteers who are happy to help me.
“I’ll run it from the arena at the Castle Sports Complex so they can see plenty.”
To watch, you’ll need to follow the Spalding Flower Parade YouTube channel.