Back to nature in Boston

Together Lincolnshire Co-op members and colleagues are raising money for almost 70 local groups that make the local environment a cleaner and greener place to live.

It couldn't be easier to lend some support - a donation is made through the Community Champions scheme every time a member shops with their dividend card and there are collection tins for shoppers who wish to lighten their pockets by giving spare change. Proceeds from the carrier bag levy also go into the pot, and there's colleague fundraising, too!

One of the groups benefitting is Boston in Bloom. They're a passionate bunch who aim to brighten up the town.

The group of eager volunteers have been at the forefront of many projects, from the construction of the award-winning Art Deco structure in Central Park, to planting a First World War garden at Boston Stump.

Committee Chairman Alison Fairman has been part of Boston in Bloom since it sprung into life seven years ago.

"The town has had some unjust bad press, but it’s a wonderful place to live. It has superb history that draws in tourists, and we feel we help in giving them a better experience when they visit," she said.

'We’ve been involved in lots of projects. The Central Park Art Deco garden is well loved by the community. We also look at removing chewing gum from floors, tidying up cigarette butts and cleaning graffiti.

"Our green spaces are the lungs of the town and on hot days people enjoy the sunshine with picnics and games. It’s particularly good for workers who live in houses with no outdoor space. The gardens are a safe environment for them to relax and enjoy nature."

The response from the public has been gratifying: "People tell us how much they appreciate our hard work, and it makes it all worth it," says Alison.

The group now hopes to create a gateway at the train station that will wow visitors. It will use art, historical displays and flowers. Funds raised through Community Champions will allow the group to create this dream project.

"There’s not much greenery around the station at the moment. Around 212,000 people come through it each year and there’s so much potential to impress them when they arrive," says Alison.

"This is one of our biggest projects and we hope it will brighten up our station and greet people as they make their first footsteps into the town."