AN urgent call has gone out to help save a much-loved flower group in the town from closing.
Organisers from Thornbury In Bloom are hoping to attract more people to volunteer or it could lead to the group ceasing their operations in the town.
Despite the threat of collapsing, this year proved to be a successful year for the group at this year’s South West In Bloom.
Thornbury in Bloom received the overall trophy, as well as numerous other awards and nominations for their efforts throughout the town, including best use of native plants and best community effort.
Sue Aitken, a key organiser, says the group urgently needs more volunteers to help keep the successful group going.
“The future of Thornbury In Bloom hangs in the balance,” she said.
“After so many years of success at awards and an incredible year we are in need of help.
“Briony, our current chairman, is stepping down because of work commitments.
“We have managed with no secretary for three years but now it is crucial that we find more people to take over the roles of secretary and chairman.”
Sue also runs Thornbury Garden Shop with her partner Tony Sansum, but are closing after Christmas as their lease is ending. The pair have run the shop since 1997.
They have also decided to discontinue their own involvement with Thornbury in Bloom because they will no longer be in town as regularly.
“Tony and I are very sadly closing the shop at Christmas,” she said.
“We had to make a decision to shut or to carry on and we decided this was the best decision.
“We’ve been working 6/7 days every week for years and Tony wants to retire."
Sue added: “There’s still a lot of good community projects going on around Thornbury.
“Us leaving leaves a great opportunity for someone to take over and make their own mark.
“Even after Thursday’s meeting there will still be plenty of opportunities, so please do get in touch.
“We’re a successful group but we just don’t want this to end.”
Thornbury in Bloom aims to improve and regenerate local environments through imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers, and landscaping.
The group's annual general meeting will take place tomorrow at The Swan at 7.30pm (Thursday, November 24).
Anyone interested in offering help or support can be made to the Thornbury In Bloom Facebook page or at thornburyinbloom@yahoo.co.uk.
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