Introducing you to our Committee
Chairman - The Revd. Christopher Colledge MBE BCAc
It has been my privilege to be Chairman of Bournemouth in Bloom for the last 9 years. Gardens and Horticulture have always been dear to my heart especially working alongside people who were profoundly deaf or deafblind. I designed such gardens that were not only visually attractive but also sensory and tactile. Bournemouth in Bloom seeks to inspire everyone to take pride in all that they grow, be it the young people of our schools or private residences or commercial enterprises.
Vice-Chairman and Membership Secretary - Jane Kelly
I have been involved with Bournemouth in Bloom, the Bournemouth Horticultural Society for 12 years. During that time the organisation has grown and developed and I have so enjoyed being part of that. Having been interested in horticulture and gardening for many years, I love to see how people take pride in their gardens and enjoy discussing the planting when out and about judging during the summer.
Secretary - Karen Essery
I never had time for gardening when I was working, so when I retired I was seeking inspiration for our little plot. Becoming a member of BiB seemed a logical step in my new hobby. Everyone I've met from BiB is so helpful and encouraging, the shows are inspirational, and I'm happy to be invited to serve on the Committee to help spread the joy of gardening in our community.
Minute Secretary - Frances Sim
I have always enjoyed gardening and visiting gardens and used to admire the Lower Gardens when I visited Bournemouth as a child. I heard about Bournemouth in Bloom through the Schools’ Competition and joined the Committee in 2012. I get great satisfaction judging the BiB Competition and supporting the Horticultural Shows. These both illustrate the time and effort put in by enthusiasts to improve our lives in Bournemouth.
Treasurer - Kerry O’Brien
After leaving school , I qualified as an accountant whilst working for Unigate Dairies Ltd. After this I worked for Barclays Bank and J P Morgan. I then took a step back to bring up my family. Have also until recently been the treasurer of my sons’ football club. My hobbies are exercise and gardening and I am so pleased to have recently joined the BiB Committee as Treasurer.
Schools’ Co-ordinator - Anne Fisher
Having been born in Bournemouth I have always had a great interest in my community. I have always enjoyed my garden having grown up with parents who took pride in their landscaped gardens. Because of my teaching background I was appointed to the role of Schools’ co-ordinator within the BiB Committee. Each year I contact schools in the BCP area and invite them to take part in our competition.
Show Manager - David Bassil
When I joined Bournemouth in Bloom, the Bournemouth Horticultural Society had recently moved its home to St Francis of Assisi Church where the interim Vicar was the BiB Chairman, Rev Chris Colledge. Chris became a member of the Bournemouth Horticultural Society and due to falling attendance offered assistance. We were offered a chance to merge with BiB which our committee accepted. My wife and I are the only remaining members of the BHS committee who amalgamated and I continue to be Show Manager, a position which I have now held for just over 60 years.
Committee Member - Pam Bassil
I joined the Bournemouth in Bloom Committee with my husband from Bournemouth Horticultural Society where I was responsible for the care and distribution of the trophies, keeping records of the shows and other paperwork, which I still do.
Committee Member - Heather Drayton
I have always enjoyed the beauty of flowers and plants and am delighted to be part of Bournemouth in Bloom. I live and have a business in Southbourne and am passionate about my area. I care for the street planters in Southbourne Grove and also the flower filled boat nearby.
Committee Member - Andy Allflatt
I was invited to join the Bournemouth in Bloom committee by the chairman Rev Chris Colledge. I thought it was a good idea as the competition fosters a sense of community, care of nature, art and education, especially for the next generation. One of my special area of knowledge is trees and I am pleased to have been asked to judge the Tree Categories in our summer competition. I also work within the Alum Chine Tropical Garden as part of my role in the BCP Parks Department.
Committee Member - Ed Down
Although I don’t have a garden, there are few places I feel more inspired and relaxed than surrounded by plants and flowers. I also recognise the manner in which gardens and flowers can transform people’s well-being and our community spaces. I love being on the BiB Committee as it allows me to contribute towards a collective enthusiasm for gardens, flowers and nature.
Committee Member - Natasha Vincent
I love gardening and have a passion for plants. My own garden consists of over 350 plants in pots and if I am not in the garden I am watching gardening programmes, shopping for plants, visiting beautiful gardens or talking about plants. I was excited to be asked to join the Bournemouth in Bloom committee by Chairman Reverend Christopher Colledge and have been asked to become one of the judges for the summer competition. I hope to be inspired by visiting many beautiful gardens this summer. I grew up in Bournemouth and love to see the parks and gardens through the seasons.
If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.
Frances Hodgson Burnett