Who are Upton in Bloom and how can you get
involved?
We are a group of friendly and passionate volunteers working together with local community groups and organisations, and the Town Council to enhance the natural environment of the town.
Our passion and positive work has led to us being awarded the Queen's Award for Volunteering in 2022 - the MBE for voluntary groups.
If you are interested in joining Upton in Bloom, please email us at: uptoninbloom@hotmail.co.uk. We would love to hear from you!
Have you seen our sign at the Upton Clocktower? Here's the answers to the questions.
What was on this site during WWII?
Previously, during World War II it was a garage owned by the Stacey family, who after the war, started the Upton Oil Company where Aldi is now. After the war it became a marine engineering business known as Darglow Marine.
How long has the Clocktower been here and why was it installed?
Darglow Marine was demolished in 2000 to be replaced by the Millennium Clocktower to celebrate the millennium, with project and Town Council funding.
What is the history of the bottle refill station?
This was installed in 2022 and formally open in April 2023. The project was started by the late Mrs June Richards, after a successful bid to Wessex Water for funding. A local trust fund matched the £1000 donated by Wessex Water and then we hit the COVID years! So, the project was on hold for 2.5 years, after which, manufacturing costs and time restraints halted the completion of the project. Costs rose but a successful application to the Big Lottery Fund meant Upton in Bloom could go ahead and, commission a builder to install the water bottle filling station. Helped by Wessex Water and Lytchett Minster & Upton Town Council who projected managed the installation, and will look after this newly installed public amenity , we finally held an opening ceremony on Wednesday 12th April 2023. Now all passers by are welcome to refill their water bottles, helping to eliminate single use plastic bottles and protect the environment. The equipment is open from April to October months, but switched off in winter to avoid frost damage.
Why is it important to create habitats for bees, butterflies and other wildlife?
Follow this link for more information.
How can we all plant for a sustainable future?
Visit the Royal Horticultural Society website for lots of planet friendly gardening tip.