Spalding Flower Queen Rebecca Roberts from Pinchbeck calls for wider support to secure event for future generations
The new Spalding Flower Queen has issued a passionate plea to residents in Lincolnshire and beyond to help secure the future of Spalding Flower Parade.
Rebecca Roberts, who likes to be known as Becs, won the crown last month in a glitzy contest at The Vista in Spalding and will have a starring role in the parade, which was brought back last year by organiser Stephen Timewell.
The 36-year-old mum-of-two is calling for more support so that it continues for future generations and hopes that funds can be raised from further afield to carry on a tradition enjoyed across Lincolnshire and the surrounding area.
She said: “I really hope in 50 years it will still be going and I hope to be on the judging panel in the future.
“I used to go when I was a kid and I went last year and it was so nice to take my daughter Poppy, four. There were so many people it was crazy.
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“The more people that come into the town the more donations come in and a larger pool of people can be asked for donations.”
Becs would like to see people lending a hand with fundraising to help the event due to its nostalgia and heritage - and because it relies on peoples’ donations, with no council backing in its current guise.
She attended the parade with her own mum Diane Roberts and grandma Dulcie Yates, who is 92 and was impressed by meeting 1953 Flower Queen Jean Toolley, a judge on this year’s panel.
Becs said: “I’ve always had a keen interest in my family history so being part of the parade is iconic to me.
“I remember the magic of it all, dressing up and the crowds and the glitz.
“Going out and dressing up isn’t done as much today and now I am that bit older and getting to live it (as Flower Queen) I understand the importance of it as a generational tradition.”
The parade relies on grants and donations - with a year-round fundraising campaign from Mr Timewell.
Becs urged residents in surrounding towns - such as Stamford and Grantham - who may be planning a visit to the May 11 event - as well as those in and around Spalding itself - to donate whatever they can via the Just Giving page here.
This year’s Spalding Flower Parade will be a two-day event, with the entertainment set to stretch into Sunday, May 12 to follow the main event on the Saturday.
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