Having attended the South Holland Pride Awards last Saturday afternoon, I was again reminded that without ready and willing volunteers, how much poorer our community would be. I congratulate all the winners and all of those nominated and thank them for their selfless contribution to our society.
Jan Whitbourn and her team at Tulip Radio also deserve our gratitude, as without their sterling efforts, the awards ceremony could not have taken place and these marvellous people would not have been recognised. I know from experience that chasing nominations, sponsors and nominees is extremely time consuming and hard work; so very well done them.
This leads me nicely on to another town project in need of some willing volunteers and that is the Spalding Railway Station, which as you have probably noticed is in dire need of some love and attention. In particular the garden and seating area, known as the “shed”.
Thankfully the railway station has been adopted by the Peterborough and Spalding Transport Forum which, working in collaboration with the various rail authorities, intends to bring the garden back to its original glory and to maintain it in the future.
Head of the Forum George Scott is determined to achieve this and is looking not only for volunteers to help with the initial clear up, planting and ongoing maintenance, but also firms to sponsor the project.
If you wish to volunteer or be a sponsor, contact me on 01775 766729.
Another botanical related topic is Spalding In Bloom, which this year will be judged on July 13.
Angela Newton, Chair of the Spalding in Bloom Committee, is again hoping for a Gold Award, but thinks additional effort will be required this year, because the wet weather has caused a marked increase in the number of weeds growing in the town centre. She would like to request that business owners and residents in the town centre kindly remove weeds and rubbish against their properties in the week leading up to the judging.
I sincerely hope people will help with this, as the Spalding in Bloom project undoubtedly makes the town centre look very beautiful and inviting to visitors at this time of year.
I make no apologies for mentioning it again in my column, but the next big town event is the Spalding and South Holland Festival of Food and Drink, which this year is centred on the Vista Community Hall and surrounding areas. It takes place on July 9 and 10 and entry is free. We have 40+ stalls, cookery demonstrations and live musical entertainment.
The St Mary and St Nicolas Church and Ayscoughfee Hall are running supporting events over the same weekend which include have a go circus skills, giant tortoises, countryside animals display, Creation Station art activities, parachuting teddy bears, Swineshead Silver Band and a display of knitted churches from around the country.
So lots to see and do for all the family – I hope to see you there!
