The Donington in Bloom group has continued to meet throughout the winter months and plans are well in hand for this summer's  East Midlands in Bloom entry. After last year's success we are aiming even higher. As the summer ended we began to take plants into the greenhouse space kindly given over for our use by Steven Hartfil -thank you. Then we started on our marathon planting of over 7,000 tulip bulbs ready for TulipMania 2008 as Donington is to be included on the tulip trail around the area when Spalding hosts the World Tulip Summit at the beginning of May. We planted bulbs at all the main points throughout the village and have several pots ready in the greenhouse to put out after the worst of the bad weather. Bulbs have also been given to people on the trail through the village. If every bulb appears we should have a stunning display for this event.

Donington in Bloom report July 2008

Almost a year has passed since the last visit from the judges to evaluate our entry in Britain in Bloom (East Midlands in Bloom) when we achieved a silver award. During the year the people of the Bloom committee have been extremely busy, the results can be seen in the village and in the park. In the village, new planters and hanging baskets are in position along with our beautiful new flower bed under the trees in the Market Place. The brickwork was constructed by Jez Inglis. Many thanks from all of us, it will be a wonderful sight for years to come.

Most of the plants have been grown in the greenhouse from cuttings or plugs. Without the use of this facility we would not be able to achieve what we have. Thank you from all of us to Steve Hartfil.

 “The 17th July was the day for the 'East Midlands in Bloom' judges to see all our work throughout the year. It had finally arrived and I was very excited, not only was I going to 'show' the judges around BUT one of our members had arranged for us to have the use of a chauffer driven Rolls Royce (our grateful thanks to the owner Michael Chinn). It was somewhat disappointing to see the rain but we didn't let it dampen our enthusiasm as we waited to meet our two judges. Once in the car we were whisked off to Aylesbury House, Quadring Road, where we had coffee and cake while we briefed the judges about our plans for the time they were allocated to spend with us (our thanks to Maggie Smith).

Returning to the village, we had a visit to the Thomas Cowley School to see the garden which is being developed by their PACT Group. A short drive to the Market Square where sometime was spent explaining about Matthew Flinders, and all the new planting which has taken place including the new Tower Planter and bed under the trees. They were delighted with the Butchers who, as we all know, always look very smart, so they were called out to have a photo taken. A visit was also made to 14, Station Street where we viewed our entry into the 'Best Kept Front Garden'.

On down to Flinders Park via Silverdrive. Not only were we showing off our wonderful new park but we were treated to a short talk and were shown some ancient pieces of pottery which were dug up when the park was being developed (thanks to our local archaeologist Peter Lorimer). Walking out of the bottom of the park for a view of the 'Teen Park' (still raining), a slow drive through to Highfield Road, a visit to the pond including a view of our entry into the 'Best Kept Retail/Commercial Business Premises' at Select Timber and on to Browntoft House where the Judges met with other 'Bloom' members and a 'Lincolnshire Fare' lunch was laid on (our thanks to our hosts Eileen & Edward).

The judges took advantage of a break in the persistent rain to inspect the gardens at Browntoft House which is our entry for 'Best Kept Hotel/Pub'. Time flew by as we all answered the questions the judges asked and it was soon time to get them on their way to yet another village visit. After photos by the Rolls Royce and a quick wave it was all over.   Phew!! what an exciting morning we had... now the nail biting starts, as we await the results on 10th September at a venue in Nottingham, hoping that we have done enough to get 'Silver Gilt' or even 'GOLD' this year.  

Along with our other individual entries, our new 'Teen Park' has been entered for the 'Best Neighbourhood' category and was inspected by the judges on Monday 14^th July.  On Wednesday 16^th July the Primary School, with its new wildlife garden entered for the 'Best School' category, was inspected by yet another set of judges. So fingers and toes crossed for them all as we wait for the results. Yet again, our thanks to all who have contributed in whatever way to make this village a place to be proud to live in.”

 Report from an 'In Bloom' Member

During October and November the planting in Flinders Park was completed and the Bloom members were pleased to be involved alongside many other people in the village and we would like to say well done to the younger ones that came along on the Saturdays, you did a wonderful job in sometimes difficult conditions. We can all be proud of our efforts.

Donington in Bloom receives a small grant from South Holland District Council towards our entry in ‘ East Midlands in Bloom but we still need to purchase additional plants and containers and are once again asking for sponsorship and donations from local people and businesses. Anyone willing to help in this way please contact Gill Lunn 01775 820760. Our grateful thanks to Dejex for sponsoring last year's hanging baskets. Also if anyone may have spare plants to donate to the Bloom for this year's entry please contact us, or perhaps you would consider growing a few extra plants to help us put on a good display.

The suggested route for the East Midlands in Bloom judges this year is as follows: - start from M & A Smith 110 Quadring Road, onto Thomas Cowley High School's back gate, Church Lane to the Church, Church Street to the Market Place, Silverdrive, Library, Flinders Park , the Primary School, Highfield Road , Mill Lane , and finish at Browntoft House. If you are on the route could you please help us by adding an extra hanging basket, an extra tub or just a few additional plants in your garden? We only need an extra 20 points to reach the next level award of silver gilt. If you require any further information or help, please contact Gill Lunn 01775 820760.

During last year, whilst planting and generally working around the village, we were frequently stopped by people commenting on the work we have been doing and what a difference it has made to the village. We do still need more help this year and a few extra pairs of hands with the watering and planting would be most welcome. The more volunteers we have on the watering rota through the summer months means less work for everyone. You don't need to be a gardener to join in. Please do give it some thought as we do really appreciate any help you can offer as we strive to make the village look even better this year.

Anyone willing to open their garden for us for one day only on Sunday 20th July please pass your name to Gill Lunn 01775 820760 by May. Your garden doesn't need to be the size of a park with a bowling green lawn! Visitors on the day (and last year there were over 200!) just like to see what Donington has to offer.

Finally our last request is to those few who are still leaving their rubbish, papers, chips, bottles etc. about the Market Place and Park – please use the bins provided. Thank you.

REPORT ON THE JUDGING OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL’S GARDEN

WOW! SPLENDID! FANTASTIC!

These were the words used by the judge as he walked around the gardens created and nurtured by the gardening club at the primary school. As he looked around and photographed the gardens he was most impressed with all the work that had been and continues to be put into them.

He inspected and remarked upon the herbs and vegetables that are growing. However the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ and the thing that impressed him most, was the pond and the whole area of the ‘Wildlife Paradise Garden’, built earlier this year.

After looking at before and after photographs of the area, he was truly amazed at how much had been achieved, how much the area had blossomed, and the benefits it would bring to the children.

As he concluded his visit, he said how much he had enjoyed visiting the school. Let us hope that his enjoyment will be enough to bring GOLD to the ‘Jewel in the Crown’. A rich reward for the children and their dedicated teachers.

Report by Jenny Bailey (Donington in Bloom)

DONINGTON OPEN GARDENS 20TH JULY

Many thanks to all those involved with this wonderful day particularly to our open gardeners: Janet & Colin, John, Sam & Scott, Beulah, Rosie, Hannah & Michael, Olga & Albert, Jacqui & Michael, Liz & David, Eileen & Edward, Margaret, and Emma. Special thanks to Margaret Wright for driving the minibus throughout the day. Also many thanks to all the local shops & businesses for their generosity with raffle prizes. This is one of Bloom’s main fundraising events and this year we have made over £500.

Spalding Tulip Parade 2008

Many volunteers including Bloom members set about the hard work of decorating Donington’s float featuring Matthew Flinders & The Investigator in the days leading up to the 50th Spalding Tulip Parade. It was a great day for those in & out of the float. It was very well received by the thousands lining the route. Well done Alicia, Leah, Lucas, Sam, Jez, Marilyn, Jenny, Jacqui, & Jamie.