Bloom group says its to close

Holbeach In Bloom has put out an announcement saying this is the last year it will be providing flowers for the town – however it’s also been claimed the group could continue in some form.

The group’s Graham Rudkin had previously said he was considering standing down from the group after he and wife Carol left the town’s parish council earlier this year following a falling out

The pair have played key parts in the group and watered thousands of plants for over a decade.

On Friday June 9, he posted a statement on the Holbeach In Bloom Facebook page saying: “It’s with great sadness this will be the last year Holbeach in Bloom will be active in our town due to various reasons.

“Over the last 11 years and even before, this group has been going since the late 80s.

“I have been involved in trying to make our Town Bloom, but there comes a time to hang your boots up.

“I thank all that has supported our group over the years but from October 1 we will be handing back all areas back to the parish council.”

However at Monday’s meeting of Holbeach Parish Council, Coun Rachel Flood, who is also on the committee told councillors it had not definitely decided it was being closed but that she couldn’t say more until after Holbeach In Bloom’s AGM.

Speaking after Monday’s meeting, Graham (73) said: “It will definitely end.

“We’re all getting older and I’m finding it harder.

“It’s getting too much for me and we’re just not getting the support.

“I don’t think people understand the work and logistics that goes into it.”

The parish council has thanked the Rudkins but Coun Stephen Johnson said they’d not heard from the group themselves.

He said: “I’m sorry to lose Holbeach In Bloom, but it brings an opportunity to it differently and involving as many members as possible.”

Coun Isobel Hutchinson: “It would be wonderful if we could open it up and have a public meeting and encourage as many as possible who may be interested to get involved to come forward.

“It may be there’s groups who could help out or individuals.

“We need to get some idea of what we’re going to be doing.”