In Bloom volunteers are an inspiration for whole village (From Wharfedale Observer)

In Bloom volunteers are an inspiration for whole village

9:50am Friday 18th May 2012 in News By Annette McIntyre

At an age when many people might feel entitled to put up their feet, 90-year-old Doug Botham is still doing his best to keep his village looking special.

Doug and his wife Corinne, who is in her early eighties, are the oldest members of the Bramhope in Bloom group.

Despite their advancing years, the couple, who moved to the village from the Cotswolds, play an active role in helping to make Bramhope an attractive place to live.

Doug, who was born in Wales, and Corinne, who was born in India, are described as “very special” by their friends in the group.

Each volunteer has their own area of responsibility and Corinne and Doug’s is the memorial on Breary Lane.

Group secretary Janet Hobson said: “They have a special interest in this area because of Doug’s involvement in the war and the feelings that they have for all the people that have given their lives for our country.”

She said the area had been in need of some attention when they took it on but had now been transformed, with help from others in the group, into an area the British Legion could be proud of.

Doug and Corinne’s own garden has twice been awarded a silver in the In Bloom competition.

And the couple proved they were good sports last year by providing a home for a dinosaur created as part of Bramhope Primary School’s annual scarecrow competition.

The dinosaur was created by Bramhope in Bloom chairperson Kit Hemsley, her husband Richard and their children Bethany, Jessica and Christopher. Not only did the fearsome looking creature prove a big hit with passers-by but it also won first prize.

Corinne said she and her husband loved gardening and liked to do their bit.

“People are so appreciative of what has and is being done in the village by the In Bloom group and we now count the volunteers as our friends because we all get on together and help each other out,” she added.

Speaking on behalf of all the Bramhope in Bloom members, Janet said: “Corinne and Doug are a shining example, to people of all ages, in what they do. They are a special couple with a wonderful outlook on life.”