Oakham in Bloom Celebrates Progress and Welcomes New Leadership

Oakham in Bloom Celebrates Progress and Welcomes New Leadership

Oakham in Bloom, the charity dedicated to beautifying Oakham, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last night. The event saw a changing of the guard, with Chris Cairns stepping down after two years of dedicated service as Chair. Taking the reins is Sheila Cunningham, who was appointed as his successor.

The evening also featured a  speech by Patron, Richard Adams. Reflecting on Oakham in Bloom's early days, he celebrated the organisation's remarkable journey and the unwavering dedication that brought it to this point. His words served as a powerful reminder of the progress achieved through passion and hard work.

Recognition was also given to the year's outstanding contributors. John Hemming, one of the two recipients of the 2024 Chair's Award, was present to receive his honour for his tremendous contributions. Liz Sanders' valuable efforts were also acknowledged by the Chair.

Following the official proceedings, attendees enjoyed a captivating presentation by Nick Hamilton of Barnsdale.  His expertise shone through as he shared insights on various topics, including low-maintenance plants and the effects of mild winters. The session concluded with Nick answering questions and offering invaluable advice to the audience.

Maintaining Oakham's vibrant displays requires a significant effort, and that's where the community's support becomes invaluable. Every helping hand, no matter how small, makes a big difference in easing the workload. Oakham in Bloom welcomes anyone interested in volunteering, whether for small tasks that fit into busy schedules or active participation in gardening work parties. To learn how you can contribute, visit their website: https://www.oakhaminbloom.org/get-involved

Don't forget, supporting the cause through fundraising is equally impactful!  The Oakham in Bloom lottery offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute.  For just £12 a year, you get three chances to win every month, with the odds increasing to nine in January! Details and enrolment can be found on their website: https://www.oakhaminbloom.org/lottery

The Oakham in Bloom lottery plays a vital role. Funds raised play a crucial role in purchasing plants, maintaining flowerbeds, and ultimately fulfilling their mission of bringing splashes of colour to everyone's lives.

Finally, for those seeking a more tailored contribution, the committee offers various positions where your skills and passion can truly blossom (pun intended!).  No matter how you choose to contribute, your help is deeply appreciated and creates a lasting impact on the Oakham community. Let's keep Oakham blooming beautifully, together!