Keep Scotland Beautiful recognises Forres In Bloom for keeping up the good work during Covid-19
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FORRES’ most celebrated volunteers have been recognised for their ongoing work through the coronavirus pandemic.
Keep Scotland Beautiful has issued Forres In Bloom (FIB) a certificate of recognition for helping to brighten up the town while pulling the community together, despite being unable to take part in this year’s cancelled Beautiful Scotland and Britain In Bloom competitions.
Keep Scotland Beautiful CEO, Barry Fisher, said FIB merited recognition for motivating and inspiring fellow volunteers and the community during such a difficult 2020.
He added: “There was a steadfast determination to do things to make a difference, even if this had to be done differently this year. I’d like to thank all the groups in Moray for the efforts they have made to keep Scotland beautiful this year.”
FIB secretary Sandra Maclennan feels encouraged by the recognition.
She said: “The Beautiful Scotland team has worked hard to keep us involved with newsletters and Zoom meetings to allow groups to share work and ideas. Our team has continued to create marvels under difficult circumstances. Some of our suppliers were unable to send plugs and there were no hanging baskets or window boxes. But FIB has secret weapons and this year our hero is Bob Davidson who produced thousands of plants from seed, cuttings and overwintering. As a result we produced most of our displays and achieved a very high standard of planting. The whole team put in fantastic efforts.”
She added: “FIB has been fortunate to receive financial support from sponsors and supportive residents. This has helped meet the shortfall caused by not being able to have coffee mornings and our duck race.”
The group has planted Spring displays and managed to order plug plants and seed for next year despite some companies running out of stock. The volunteers are now busy putting dahlias, begonias and fuchsias to bed for the winter, keeping them frost free until they are ready to plant in the spring.
FIB’s members range in age from 40 to 90 and it needs younger people joining to help keep Forres blooming.
Sandra said: “There is a resurgence of interest in gardening. Volunteers learn new skills from our seasoned gardeners and when circumstances allow we will welcome new enthusiasm. We are encouraged by all those who have thanked us for our efforts to keep people smiling through these difficult days.”
