Transformation of Second World War pillbox adds to Benwick in Bloom achievements

The group has completed enhancements to the Second World War pillbox alongside the Old River Nene, clearing the area up and installing a soldier silhouette and 'lest we forget' plaque on its walls.

Benwick Street Pride / In Bloom volunteers, from left, Mo Green, Janet Fountain and Jill Hindle.

A new planter with a memorial rose at its centre has been installed opposite the St Mary's closed church yard.

In addition, a fence featuring chickens, pigs and sheep has been placed in front of 'The Pound' in Benwick High Street where stray animals would have been impounded in medieval times.

A £1,457 grant from the Burnthouse Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund funded the projects along with a contribution to the fence from Benwick Parish Council.

And now the group is working to create a stumpery at the old church yard, which takes inspiration from the Victorian tradition of growing ferns among upturned tree stumps. The stumpery will commemorate the coronation of King Charles III, who has one at his private residence Highgrove House. Ransonmoor Community Fund has contributed £600 to the scheme.

Fenland District Council provides a coordinating role for Street Pride groups across the district.

Benwick Street Pride / In Bloom group's enhancements to the World War Two pillbox alongside the Old River Nene.

A council spokesperson said: "We're so grateful to the Benwick Street Pride / In Bloom volunteers for their incredible dedication and all they achieve.

"Our Street Pride and In Bloom groups enhance our district so much making it more colourful, more attractive and an even better place for the whole community."

Benwick Street Pride / In Bloom group treasurer Janet Fountain, 83, who was born in the village's The Five Alls pub, said: "To see Benwick looking nice is very rewarding for me.

"I'm retired now so it keeps me active and my mind active. I like to be involved."

Benwick In Bloom was formed a decade ago by chair Jill Hindle, who approached Fenland District Council about creating the group when she moved to the village. Volunteers create and maintain beautiful floral displays around the village and invest hours of hard work into keeping it looking good.

Volunteers run Street Pride and In Bloom groups across the district, carrying out all kinds of environment enhancement from litter picking to major planting projects. Volunteers can give lots of regular time or turn up occasionally to help.

Want to get involved? See: www.fenland.gov.uk/streetpride

For grants for environmental community projects see: Grants

The next deadline for bids to Glassmoor Local Environment Fund is the end of June, while Whitemill Environment Fund is July. Bids for Ransonmoor Community Fund close in September.

• A photo exhibition of Benwick past and present is being held 11am to 4pm on Sunday (May 28) at Benwick Village Hall, in High Street, raising money for Benwick In Bloom / Street Pride. Admission is free. There will be stalls, children's games, a raffle and refreshments.

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May 2023