Holbeach In Bloom team call it a day

The team behind brightening up Holbeach with floral displays won’t return next year - prompting an appeal for new volunteers.

The Holbeach In Bloom committee has decided that 2021 will be its last year after agreeing that it had become too much work for the eight-strong team to manage.

The parish council says it will look into maintaining the committee’s bloom work in the future - and is asking for interested volunteers to come forward.

This year there are 260 baskets on display and about 12,000 plants used in total across the town.

Chairman Graham Rudkin (73) said the effort in planning, planting and watering those had taken its toll.

He said: “It’s just getting so difficult to do everything.

“I have spoken to our committee members - they’re all of the same opinion - that it’s time to call it a day.

“I am disappointed but it’s the right time.”

Graham, who has been involved with Holbeach In Bloom for the last 11 years, said any funds remaining for the committee after this year would be donated to local good causes.

He added: “I don’t think people quite understand the logistics of it all. You have to start planning in September or October order the plants then you start at the end of March planting up until the end of March when you do all the baskets. I was just finding it harder and harder. I am up at 5am in the mornings and I am finding it difficult. I get home and I am just shattered.

“It takes so much of your time up so it’s time for a little bit of me time now.

“Several of the committee are older than me and with Covid they have been worried for their own health and safety - especially now when the figures are going up again.”

Before Covid the committee had helped the town to secure four gold medals from East Midlands in Bloom.

This year, the Holbeach group has pulled out of the contest because they did feel not feel ready for judging standards.

However, Graham said he was pleased with how the town is looking for the committee’s final year - particularly the church yard.

He added: “It brings a bit of pleasure to peoples’ lives - it makes people proud of the town.”

A Holbeach Parish Council spokesman said: “We are saddened by this news as although it’s been mentioned this could be the last year, we have received no official communications from the group.

“We will of course consider all options moving forward with regards to other groups that may want to get involved with this project.

“As always, we will look at anything that is in the public’s interest and invite any volunteers to offer support to continue to make Holbeach bloom.

“With the help this year from South Holland District Council we are confident that a solution will be resolved with the new dynamic of our parish council moving forward.

“We would like to thank Mr & Mrs Rudkin and the founders of Pride in Holbeach for all their efforts over the years. This is now a great opportunity for new volunteers to come forward and continue this wonderful work.”