2021 ... An Uncertain Outlook

The Coronavirus has affected Wimborne in Bloom in much the same way as many other Charities and Organisations. We were only able to hold one fundraising event in 2020, the Wine and Wisdom Quiz Evening at the Allendale Centre in March. We had hoped that we could hold the Charities Fair in November but then came the second lockdown which forced its cancellation only a week before it was due to be held.

Being a charity relying solely on our fundraising events the loss of income meant that we were unable to plant up the whole of the Town for last summer and hanging baskets were almost non-existent. As we hope will have been noticed we did manage to plant up for the winter but without a watering charge which is necessary in the summer, the only cost was for the plants and planting.

But what of 2021 we will not be able to hold our Wine and Wisdom Quiz Evening on Friday 5th March as there is no way that this event which usually attracts nearly 200 people could be held in the confines of the Allendale Centre. We are looking to see if the event could be re-scheduled for later in the year as it is one of our major fundraising events bringing in around £1500. But what of other events such as the very popular Gardens Open Day and the Duck Race. In these unprecedented and uncertain times and not knowing how the year is going to turn out it is just not possible to make any firm plans. It is a case of just watch this space and keep up to date via the Wimborne in Bloom website; www.wimborneinbloom.org.uk

We still hope that we might at least be able to plant up some areas of the town for the summer but this does depend on the raising of much needed funds and the same applies about the hanging baskets which normally adorn many of the business premises in the town.

In a normal year Wimborne in Bloom raises in the region of £15,000 but without our fundraising events this voluntary run organisation will find it a struggle to provide the displays which the Town has been accustomed to seeing over the last 28 years and which are such a delight to both residents and visitors alike. Donations will be particularly welcome at this time and if you can help do please contact either Richard Nunn (01202 888793) or Anthony Oliver (01202 888703). The previously mentioned ‘Blooming Wimborne Book ‘which depicts the streets of the town in full colour is still available at £4.95 each, just give Anthony a call if you would like a copy. It all helps the funds.