2008 SPALDING FLOWER PARADE
“Thanks for the Memories”
A Message from the Parade Chairman, Barry Drew
On the 23rd June 1958 Dick Heath and Horace Braybrooks of the South Holland Growers and Eric Casson and Francis Hanson of the Tulip Time committee met at Elsom House, in Broad Street, Spalding. It was from this initial meeting that the idea to promote the local horticultural industry through holding a Tulip Parade came into fruition. The result of this was that the first Spalding Tulip Parade was held on the 9th May 1959.
Every year since then the Parade has given the people of South Holland the opportunity to welcome visitors from far and wide to come and celebrate our horticultural heritage. There will be many of you who have taken up this invitation and returned time and again to enjoy this colourful and exciting spectacle. Some I know have enjoyed their visits to the area so much that they have moved to reside in South Holland.
On 3rd May 2008 the Parade will celebrate its 50th birthday and, on behalf of the Spalding Flower Parade & Carnival Trust and the community of South Holland, I would like to invite as many of you as possible to come along and join in the party for this special anniversary.
Each Year the Parade chooses a particular theme; 'Children’s' Fantasies', 'World of Sport', 'Planet Earth' to name a few. Appropriately this year the theme is 'Thanks for the Memories' as we look back and celebrate the best of Parades from years gone by.
If you’re able to come and join us then why not stay for more than just the Parade Day and enjoy the other highlights that are available? This year, in addition to firm favourites such as our beautifully decorated, individually themed, Church Flower Festivals and the unique mediaeval Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens there will be a wide variety of other entertainments on offer. Among these are a family fun day at the Sir Halley Stewart Field, TulipMania events around the region, Mayfarers’ Day on the Monday and much, much more. More information about all of these can be found on this website.
Make the 3rd May 2008 a firm commitment in your diary – we look forward to seeing you there!
Regards Barry Drew
If you have any special memories or feel inspired to help out in any way at all do contact us on 01775 760380 or by email: info@flowerparade.org
