Sponsor a floral tribute in memory of a loved one for Barnstaple in Bloom

Barnstaple in Bloom is inviting people to sponsor a floral tribute in memory of a loved one at some of the town’s most iconic locations.

People are being offered the chance to sponsor a summer basket to remember a cherished loved one at special locations in the town such as the Queen’s Theatre, library and other venues.

Barnstaple will be bedecked with hanging baskets in floral splendour throughout the summer thanks to a small group of dedicated volunteers who restarted the town’s entry to the annual South West in Bloom competition, part of Britain in Bloom run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Above: Memorial baskets outside the Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple. Credit: Barnstaple in Bloom

From May to October, visitors will see numerous hanging baskets filled with flowers along Butchers Row and many other town centre locations, some kindly sponsored by local businesses but a limited number set aside for memorial tributes.

The baskets are sold at not-for-profit rates in partnership with Barnstaple Town Council. A limited number of baskets are also allocated for birthdays and anniversaries.

With planting season upon us, Barnstaple in Bloom is appealing for businesses or anyone who would like to sponsor a memorial basket to get in touch as soon as possible.

Hilary Searle has sponsored a basket outside the Queen’s Theatre entrance in memory of her brother every year since he passed away.

She said: “I don’t need a label on it, but enjoy a private moment each time I go into the theatre or pass by knowing that he is remembered.

“He loved the Queen’s Theatre and the baskets provided by Barnstaple in Bloom are absolutely gorgeous.”

Frances Bell, chair Barnstaple in Bloom added: “Memorial baskets support our work in the town centre and create joy and beauty for residents and visitors alike.

“We are immensely grateful to those people who understand and appreciate the hours of volunteers’ work undertaken to improve our town who sponsor hanging baskets.

“Memorial baskets are a lovely way of remembering a loved one and knowing that you have also supported the work of a charitable organisation is a bonus.”

The current version of Barnstaple in Bloom restarted in 2021 by a small group determined to do something about the unkempt nature of the town during the Covid pandemic.

During lockdown, many residents restricted to their local area began to notice the state of streets and public areas, as well as the River Taw being full of junk such as trolleys and tyres.

Above: A Barnstaple in Bloom volunteer cleaning up street furniture. Credit: Barnstaple in Bloom

The volunteers began getting stuck in doing litter picks and liaising with town and district councils on more immediate issues that needed resolving.

The ‘In Bloom’ effort has evolved from the days of huge iconic mass planting schemes of thousands of flowers paid by council tax.

Instead there is a focus on community involvement, the environment and sustainability, with the costs spread across a range of sponsorship, grants and fundraising.

This year hanging baskets are £52.50, with a size 16-inch bracket with high quality peat free compost.

If you would like to sponsor a basket in memory of a loved one or as a local business, please email treasurer@barnstapleinbloom.co.uk.