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MP Sir John Hayes defends efforts towards General Election pledge to ensure Spalding Flower Parade continues after coming under fire by former organiser




MP Sir John Hayes says he has been researching funding sources to help Spalding Flower Parade continue after coming under fire from a ‘disappointed’ former organiser.

The South Holland and the Deepings MP tried to woo voters in the run-up to July’s General Election by vowing to make sure that the parade ‘continues next year and every year’ - which was one of his six priorities.

However, the man who brought back the parade, Stephen Timewell said the new flower parade committee was ‘struggling’ and called on Sir John to make good those election promises.

MP Sir John Hayes says he is researching future sources of funding for the flower parade after coming under fire from Steve Timewell, left
MP Sir John Hayes says he is researching future sources of funding for the flower parade after coming under fire from Steve Timewell, left

Mr Timewell also appealed to people to not only volunteer but also to write to South Holland District Council to call for funding.

In an online message Mr Timewell, who moved to Dorset to care for his elderly mother, said: “We are falling short and Sir John Hayes made lots of promises in the election campaign and made it a top priority.

“It is time Sir John came forward to help a bit more. I know the team are struggling and I can’t see why Sir John can’t get in touch with central Government to try to find funding.

“South Holland District Council was given town improvement money and has spent £70,000 on Christmas lights which is a great move for Spalding. I do feel that there should be more cash available to help the flower parade.

“I ask people to contact their local councillors to get things moving.”

Sir John says that he is researching relevant grant funding to support the parade - which takes place in May next year at Springfields Events and Conference Centre as the Castle Spots Complex is not available due to building works.

These sources includes considering an application in February for the Arts Council Cultural Fund, applying for the Arts Council Creative People and Places fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and a request to Reaching Communities England, part of the National Lottery Community Fund.

The MP said “It is touching that he (Mr Timewell) retains an interest in the parade albeit remote.

“He will be pleased to know that I am in discussion with the leader of the council about what more can be done and looking into private sources of funding.”

The MP - who saw his 30,838 majority in 2019 slashed to just 17,462 during the July election - also has confirmed his office will look into other government funded options including the Community Ownership Fund and the Shared Prosperity Fund.

Sir John - who also promised to ensure that Deepings Leisure Centre is reopened, fight for more NHS services and to save South Holland from solar farms and pylons - said he had met with the current Flower Queen Becs Roberts to discuss further ways to secure funding.

Council leader Coun Worth said his officers are supporting the organisers of next year’s parade.

He said: “As is well known, we offered help to find a location for the flower parade and help with road closures for the parade, as well as committing significant officer time and support to the event through our role in the South Holland Safety Advisory Group, and through our communities, markets, emergency planning and property services teams, among others.

"As is their right the committee decided on a different location to the ones that were offered, due to the costs associated with the other locations and to use their existing contractor to deliver the road closures.

Chair of Spalding Flower Parade Committee Giovanna Grieco, centre, with current Flower Queen Becs Roberts and deputy Demi Fontaine Gilchrist. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Chair of Spalding Flower Parade Committee Giovanna Grieco, centre, with current Flower Queen Becs Roberts and deputy Demi Fontaine Gilchrist. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

“We are in regular touch with the chair of the flower parade committee and any discussions or ideas are conducted through her.”

Following Mr Timewell’s exit from organising the parade, a committee was formed with Giovanna Grieco as chair in order to continue the historic event which this year drew thousands into the town.

Next year’s flower parade will be taking place at Springfields Events and Conference Centre on May 10.

Spalding Flower Parade attracts thousands to the town
Spalding Flower Parade attracts thousands to the town

Visit the website https://www.spaldingflowerparade.org.uk/visitors-to-spalding for further details.

Spalding Flower Parade was brought back by Stephen Timewell in 2023
Spalding Flower Parade was brought back by Stephen Timewell in 2023

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