
Have you ever noticed the beautiful flower displays around the town of Emsworth?
Did you think about who might be behind these displays or did you assume that it was the work of the Local Authority?
Ten years ago (2015) Emsworth, like many other boroughs, towns and cities in the UK, was suffering from the austerity measures that Government required to ‘balance the books’. A local Emsworth resident, Sheila Morris, noticed that the town was looking a little neglected with weeds growing abundantly and, due to financial cut backs, there were no flowers in the town centre planters which seemed in stark contrast to neighbouring towns like Havant and Chichester.
Sheila set about rectifying this problem by recruiting residents of Emsworth to form a group of volunteers who also felt passionately that the town would look better with some flower displays.
And this was the formation of EMSWORTH IN BLOOM.
Driven by Sheila’s enthusiasm and a superb team of volunteers, Emsworth has been transformed with colourful flower displays all over town. The initiative has brought people together, brightened the town, and encouraged visitors to support local businesses.
The initiative has encouraged more visitors, increasing footfall for local shops, cafes and restaurants. Emsworth is now recognised for it’s flower displays making it a more attractive destination for tourists.
