Brightlingsea in Bloom was formed by a nucleus of Garden Club and Horticultural Society members to support a major event commemorating 50 years of peace in 1995.

The first displays were created in obsolete boats; volunteers grew plants, dug flowerbeds, and held plant sales and coffee mornings to provide finance.
 

When we first got going, sceptics' forecast was, "It won't last", "You'll never raise enough money", "You won't get support", "There'll be vandalism."

Thankfully, none of this has come to pass. Why?

• We have been blessed with an ever-growing team of wonderful, kind-hearted, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who have seen how much our townsfolk have appreciated the fruits of their work.
• We are ever grateful for the wonderful on-going generosity from businesses, residents, councils and voluntary organisations without whose financial support we would most definitely not be blooming! Our list of major sponsors includes:

Academy Windows

Brett Aggregates Ltd

Brightlingsea Town Council

East of England Co-operative Society Ltd

Tendring District Council

Nationwide, Brightlingsea

• Over the years the In-Bloom concept has embraced all sections of our community, young and old.  Most importantly it has given a tremendous feeling of civic pride where everyone has played a part.  This has helped reduce the problem of litter and made people less tolerant of others' bad habits so it's quite common now to see folk pick up litter that others have dropped.  Our own zero tolerance of the effects of vandalism means that the small amount of damage we do suffer from time to time is put right immediately, leading to fewer instances of repeat offences.

FINALLY

14 years on we're still here, keen as ever, and because of all the wonderful support we receive, well into the planning and preparation for another blooming Brightlingsea season. 

Thanks again to everyone. 
 

WANT TO HELP?

Give Val Gilders a call on 01206 302563