Chatteris in Bloom has issued an urgent appeal for more volunteers with organisers warning it is in ‘jeopardy’ unless more people come forward to help.
Tina Prior, chairman of Chatteris In Bloom (CIB), said: “Within the last couple of years, council cuts across Fenland have put extra pressure on volunteer groups like Chatteris in Bloom and it is a situation that is not likely to improve and so communities are more reliant on volunteers than ever before.
“CIB have struggled for a few years, but a dogged determination and passion has seen us soldier on. However, this year, we are really struggling. Chatteris in Bloom is in jeopardy.”
There are currently nine on the committee and about half a dozen extra helpers who can pitch-in with litter-picks, weeding and planting, but Tina said: “We desperately need more people. Because of so few of us an recent illness amongst the committee, we are at the stage where we have not even finished planting up all the spring bulbs- something which we started back in late October.”
Across the town CIB has a range of tubs, hanging baskets, planters and garden beds which all need looking after all year round.
Planting in summer, stripping out at the end of the season and planting winter bedding and spring bulbs, before stripping out for the summer cycle again.
During the summer months: May to October, these planters and baskets all need watering, weeding and dead-heading regularly.
On the first Saturday of every month CIB also host a litter-pick, along with the local StreetPride group but Tina said: “Some sessions only a couple of people turn up and we would love if more could help. All equipment is provided & it’s a great way to get out and about in the fresh air. The group meets at the Church Lane car park at 10am
“On the third Saturday of every month we host a weeding group where we target areas that need weeding. Again, meeting at 10am at the Church Lane car park.”
As the group has to plan several months in advance, they have already committed to purchase summer bedding plants.
But Tina said: “At our current level, it is highly unlikely we will be able to get everything planted up and actually keep them all maintained throughout the season - something which we would find hugely regrettable as we always receive such positive feedback from the town about our floral displays. In short- it may not actually happen this year, unless we get some physical support.”
Tina added: “2016 was a year of mixed fortunes for CiB. We launched our really successful train project in memory of our late, dear friend and colleague, Ormond and more recently had “The Fallen” poppy project which took social media by storm and helped raise funds for the local Royal British Legion. However, our entry in the Anglia in Bloom competition came with a disappointing low result and this highlights where we have a need for more hands-on workers. We are still in discussion as to whether an entry into this year’s Anglia in Bloom is going to be possible.”
Volunteers can volunteer CIB FaceBook page, or email: chatterisinbloom@live.co.uk, chaircib@live.co.uk.
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