Colne In Bloom Annual Return Oct 2023/4
Objectives and Activities
As set out in the Colne.in Bloom Constitution the group continues to promote horticulture and floriculture for the benefit of the public by the creation of floral displays in the town’s planters and beds. It aims to increase the education of the public in conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment. The group organises gardening sessions throughout the year, encouraging the whole community to be involved in planting, weeding and caring for the town’s floral displays. It helps to attract a greater variety of wildlife into the built environment and supports members of the community to create wildlife welcoming environments.
Achievements and Performance
The importance of being an environmentally sustainable organisation has been given a boost this year with the help of Asda. The store’s manager agreed that we could have the plants that were no longer fit for sale. We gained 100s of plants that were able to be revived and planted in our town’s flower beds and street planters. We have a good supply of a range of plant pots, hanging baskets and containers that will be donated to other community groups. Throughout the year we have gained a massive amount of soil that has topped up troughs, towers, containers and community gardens.
As usual, in the autumn, we planted the town’s barrier troughs and towers using the spring bulbs and polyanthus from previous years. The polytunnel provided by the Town Council has helped to overwinter plants that were susceptible to frost. We were pleased with the number of fuchsias that were able to be saved and have used these in the town and the local park.
In May the town’s summer floral displays and public spaces were planted and again attracted new helpers. Volunteers have reported a boost to their mental health and raised fitness levels after undertaking gardening related activities. Visitors to the town also express their appreciation and thanks needs to go to Colne Town Council for purchasing the plants and managing the watering of the floral displays throughout the summer months.
Businesses have been encouraged to set up additional floral displays and more hanging baskets were ordered this year. The market traders adopted a plot of land near the market hall and created a floral bed. The taxi drivers have taken over a planter to grow herbs and peas for the community to use.
With Waterside Neighbourhood Action Group we held the annual Daisy Chain and Growing Together Environmental Competition, where nominated community groups and residents were presented with certificates and prizes to acknowledge their commitment in promoting environmental and gardening activities. The residents of Broken Banks were presented with the Maureen Arnold Trophy and The Derek Gascoigne Cup was won by the Friends of Greenfield Nature Reserve. Schools took part in an environmental poster competition, and the winners were presented with a certificate and book token at the award ceremony in the Town Hall.
We raised funds for possible future new projects, not funded by the Town Council or grants, and to promote the group’s activities in a bid to gain more volunteers.
CiB banking/accounts: as at 31/10/2024
Barclays £3,366.70 Skipton £ 174.21 £3,540.91 Statements up to date : Total amount of finance: £3,366.70 Barclays £ 174.21 Skipton £3,540.91 Total funds Monies paid in: £210.00 Monies paid out: Nil Tombola £175.00 Float £185.07 £360.07 - £210.00 paid into bank Float at 31/10/2024 £150.07