Lottery blossoms with town flower scheme

Stamford in Bloom is the 100th good cause to sign up to LotterySK, South Kesteven District Council’s  community lottery.

Launched two years ago by Ann Ellis, Stamford in Bloom has added floral colour to the town in both summer and winter, rewarded with a silver gilt award in this year’s East Midlands in Bloom competition.

She has planted a colourful raised bed at the top of Stamford High Street and worked with her volunteers to produce distinctive floral chairs around the town adding festive cheer for retailers.

“We rescue old chairs, take out the seats and replace with chicken wire to make unusual planters for our independent shops,” said Ann.  “It’s cyclamen, hellebores and holly for our Christmas theme.”

The chair planters even got a complimentary mention on Gardeners Question Time from landscape designer Bunny Guinness, from nearby Thornhaugh.

“Now we need to get all our supporters and retailers buying lottery tickets and nominating us as their good cause so that we can do even more for the town,” said Ann.

Stamford in Bloom joins a wide range of registered good causes using South Kesteven District Council’s community lottery to raise extra cash.

Cllr Kelham Cooke, Leader of SKDC and  a champion of LotterySK since its launch, said how delighted he was to see good causes hit the 100 mark and lottery ticket holders rewarded for their support.

“We have managed to help raise funds for a huge range of good causes, each making a distinct difference to their community, and what a great time to see some big wins for local ticket holders. It proves the value of LotterySK as a truly local lottery.”

Good causes that operate in South Kesteven can join LotterySK free of charge and start benefiting when their supporters buy tickets. It is open to all not-for-profit organisations, charities, clubs and school parent teacher associations.

More than 100,000 tickets have been sold since the community lottery launch in September 2018, with 1,000 people playing each week. Local community groups receive 60% of the ticket income and every week there is a chance for ticket holders to win £25,000.

To buy £1 tickets in support of a favourite cause, or to find out more and register a community group, club or charity, visit www.lotterysk.co.uk