Desborough in Bloom stalwart volunteer honoured for 'exceptional' work making town a 'better place'

Members of the community gathered to say a ‘fond and regretful’ farewell to Mr Cass at Desborough Heritage Centre.

Fellow Desborough in Bloom volunteers, an offshoot of Desborough Civic Society, have worked to create floral displays since its foundation in 2012.

Belinda Humfrey, chairman of Desborough Civic Society, presented the society's Town Award for John Cass' ‘exceptional work’ for Desborough in Bloom.

Paying tribute to Mr Cass, the citation said: “In recognition of 11 years of exceptional work for Desborough in Bloom and the many hours spent working on tubs, troughs, hanging baskets, flower beds and pots.

"It also commends his work on the flower beds, especially the Gladstone Street Garden and the new garden behind the library. He has effectively made Desborough a better place for everyone.”

Mr Cass is leaving Desborough to live closer to his children in Derbyshire.

Mary Payne, the current chairman of Desborough in Bloom, recalled stories of Mr Cass' stalwart contributions over 11 years from 2015, from weekly work on tubs and hanging baskets to the creation and development of street gardens in the town centre.

This is the third Town Award made by Desborough Civic Society this year.

Other recipients have been Doug Deans, printer and joint editor of the Desborough Scrapbook, the other to Desborough historian and civic society supporter John Lee.

Belinda Humfrey added: “So many in Desborough think the arrays of flowers which greet them throughout the town are the production of the county council rather than of their fellow Desborians.

"Desborough itself is growing in size and there is a hope that more volunteers will join in Desborough in Bloom's work for the community's happiness.”