Spalding Flower Queen contestants are nervous and excited ahead of tomorrow night’s judging
Excitement, nerves and anxiety make up the mixture of feelings for nine finalists who are vying to be the next Spalding Flower Queen.
Eight women and one man will be hoping to end tomorrow night’s judging event in The Vista, Spalding, wearing the prestigious crown.
Their first engagement will be appearing in the Spalding Flower Parade on May 11 and they will visit Jersey in August to represent Spalding in the Jersey Battle of Flowers as well as engagements in the district throughout the year.
With the decision down to the judging panel, organiser Stephen Timewell has wished the contestants well.
He said: “We have a good range of entrants who are all wonderful in their own right.
Get the news delivered straight to your inbox every morning - sign up to The Briefing here
“The judges will have a difficult decision to make as they are all good representatives for Spalding.
“Good luck to them all.”
Rebecca (Becs) Roberts, 36, from Pinchbeck
“I got the opportunity to be an elf at Christmas and I had such a good time interacting with the kids I decided to apply in the flower queen contest.
“If I can bring a little bit of joy and push myself out of my comfort zone.
“If I won I would be so excited – for myself and my daughter Poppy, 4, it would make our year.”
Beth Donnelly, 24, Pinchbeck
“I applied because I remember the flower parade as a child and I want to be a spokesperson for single mums.
“I feel like single mums are forgotten – I have a five-year-old son and twin girls who are six months old.
“I am all for empowering women and encouraging mums and girls.
“I have been hyping myself up for it – if I won I would be elated.”
Demi Fontaine Gilchrist, 27, Spalding
“I am excited as I have always wanted to enter something like this and it’s a great opportunity.
“When I was 17 I was diagnosed with a brain injury and I didn’t realise how well-off I was until things changed in my life and being in and out of hospital.
“Life is just starting to get on the right track and I want to represent people like me – because my brain injury is not visible.
“I wish everyone in the competition the utmost best and I am so excited to meet everyone on the day.”
Abigail Ferrell, 31, Spalding
“I am feeling good about it – I will be at Crufts in the day so I will be quite busy.
“I can’t wait to meet new people and I am looking forward to it.
“I am such a community person and two ladies I met when I moved to Spalding will be coming with me on the night.”
Keith Ratcliff aka Mr Pink, 62, Spalding
“I am very anxious and a little excited.
“Honestly I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“Everyone has been so lovely and supportive with total strangers coming up to me and wishing me luck.
“People have given me hugs and a guy walking his dog high-fived me.
“I have 20 friends who will be coming to support me who will all be wearing pink.”
Ellie Warfield, 19, Spalding
“I am really excited and nervous as well - you've got to be haven't you?
“I am very excited to be a part of something so big for Spalding - I have watched the flower parade ever since I can remember
“I would be overwhelmed if I won - it would be amazing. I applied on a bit of a whim and I didn't in a million years think I would get through to the final.
“My partner's relation somewhere down the line was the first flower queen - I am a bit of a history geek.”
Louise Hoppe, 21, Pinchbeck
“Really I applied because I was in the parade last year.
“I saw everything that happened and I just really wanted to do it and prove to myself that I could.
“I love taking my daughter to events in Spalding.
“I am a people person and I remember going as a child and seeing all the floats.
“I would really like to be a bigger part of the community. I work at the hospital and see a lot of people which has really helped me to build my confidence in social situations and to take the step to be more involved.
“I have spoken to a couple of the others and everyone is really supportive.
“I am nervous and excited and my dad, step mum, brother and boyfriend and grandparents will be coming along for support.”
Molly Ireland, 18, Spalding
“It was my mum who first showed the application to me and I thought ‘oh I don't know’ but after seeing how much the flower queens have done for the community it sounded something amazing to get involved with.
“It is a once in a lifetime thing.
“I am pretty excited and I have got a few people coming to support me.
“Obviously I am a little bit nervous but that is expected.
“If I won I would feel amazing - I think it would be a great opportunity.”
Millie Gent (23) Spalding
“I wanted to apply because I thought with the way that I am with my personality and helping the community and representing Spalding I could really shine through this and it would be an honour.
“I am Spalding born and bred – I used to watch the flower parade with my Nan – and it is great to be getting the opportunity.
If I won it would be a big achievement and I would be proud of myself – I feel I can really help the community and getting involved.”
What do you think? Post your comments below.
