Britain in Bloom

We had put out the word that we would like some more volunteers and to come to the bus station on a particular day. I do our social media so I spread the word.

On the day, Jackie walked up and said she had just moved into the area, knew no one or where anything was. She came with me to work on a long border I tend, and we hit it off immediately. At 81 and 82, we are of a similar age and both widows. When I came up with a new project for a stumpery, we came across an ideal spot with a felled tree at the other end of Whalley. I don’t have a car and Jackie was quick to offer hers for transport.

We hauled a load of materials up to the Old Grammar School, built the stumpery and planted it up with ferns with the help of some of the other volunteers.

“Leading up to Bloom judging I only had to mention bark or plants, and Jackie was always there with an offer of transport.”

After many trips and gardening days, and with judging over, we had some free time. I am the historian of Whalley and Jackie volunteers in a hospice shop. I heard there was a campaign to restore the bells at the local parish church where we have planters and a wildflower garden. They need £50,000 so I decided to organise a bric-à-brac stall at the end of October. Jackie offered to help straight away.

Whenever she had time, she was at my house, which had become the holding place. My spare bedroom and lounge were full and we worked together for the remaining weeks to collect and price things up. She would go off to the local supermarket for banana boxes, which we stacked.

Jackie and other Bloomers transported about 20 boxes or bags and, on the day, we made £419. Before the sale, I had been selling online where I could, so I gave the church £1,000. We’ve got other tables booked every month for the foreseeable. Jackie has now got her daughter and son-in-law helping where they can.

“She is a fabulous friend and a wonderful addition to Whalley in Bloom, and I am delighted she crossed the street that day.”