Newark in Bloom

This spring, we're supporting local groups through our Community Champions scheme. One of our current champions is Newark in Bloom who will benefit from this quarter's fundraising.

Since 2008, Newark in Bloom has been on a mission to transform the town into the pick of the bunch! Created by individuals from existing community groups, for years volunteers have been decorating the public spaces of Newark with beautiful flowers.

The group is one of our current Community Champions but has already benefited from support from Lincolnshire Co-op in the past, as members of our Community team and Newark Funeral Home have mucked in with litter-picking, weeding, and growing flowers.

Unfortunately, lockdown has had a significant impact on the group’s plans. Volunteer Secretary, Vivienne Hall said: "We’ve had to cancel our big spring clean event, but we hope to move it to autumn. It’s been such a shame to see our hard work go backwards as volunteers are unable to get out and about as normal."

With the Community Champions donation, the group hopes to purchase planters for the town and flowers for Newark Castle train station, so tourists are greeted by impressive floral arrangements as soon as they step onto the platform.

The group also plans to buy seeds to create wildflower patches in parks and schools to encourage butterflies and bees which they hope will bring families to engage with the local environment.

Community Champions are voted for by our staff and members and they are chosen for a three month period (a quarter). As a member every time you shop and use your dividend card, we give a donation to your local Community Champion.

We also add in our other fundraising efforts and proceeds from the carrier bag charge so that we can raise fantastic amounts of money!

Find out which local cause you're supporting here.

If you’re green-fingered, keen to learn new skills, or just want to help improve your community spaces, contact newarkinbloom1@gmail.com or click here to find your nearest In Bloom group.