Trees planted to commemorate dedicated Newark in Bloom volunteers

Trees have been planted in memory of two dedicated volunteers who helped fill Newark with colour.

Former members of Newark In Bloom celebrated the life and work of George Wilkinson and Gren Hinton, who were key to the town’s success in the annual competition.

Two rowan trees were planted in the garden of remembrance at Newark Parish Church.

George was chairman of Newark In Bloom for ten years, with wife Gillie as secretary, taking the organisation from its launch to gold standard two years running before stepping down.

“It was 13 years ago when Marika Tribe asked him if he would form a loose committee and take us into Britain in Bloom again,” said Gillie, who attended the planting ceremony.

“We did and I think we got a bronze that year. We gradually crept up, getting bronze a second time and a couple of silvers, until we got gold.

“He said he was going to retire then but he didn’t to prove it wasn’t a fluke. And then we got gold a second time.”

Gren started working with plants as an apprentice at the Arboretum in Nottingham aged 14. His wife, Christine Hinton, helped to plant the second tree in his memory.

“It’s going to be a wonderful memory. He would have really loved this,” she said. “It will be a fitting memorial for both men who have worked tirelessly to get Newark up to a good standard.”

Both men also worked hard at Sconce and Devon Park.

Vivienne Hall, who helped organise the planting, said: “We have come out today to plant these trees in remembrance of what they did for Newark in Bloom and Sconce and Devon Park.

“They had a major impact on the town and this is just a little event to honour them.”

The former Newark In Bloom members have set up Newark Community Gardeners to continue their community work.

They have been out litter-picking, planting bulbs and shrubs and generally tidying up in the wider community including Howes Court, Friary Gardens, St Mary’s Memorial Gardens and Carswell Close.

There has also been a successful joint multi agency project at Chatham Court.

Their next project is the Great British Spring Clean on Saturday, March 26, and Saturday, April 9, when they will be litter-picking in the Millgate and Victoria Street areas.

For more information, email newarkcommunitygardenersuk@gmail.com