The Southport community has come together to support a successful fundraising campaign to make the historic Rotten Row in Southport bloom with colour this summer.
Last month, the Friends of Rotten Row, supported by Southport Rotary Club, launched an appeal to replace their tool transportation cart, known affectionately as “Florry.”
The converted 40-year-old golf buggy has been an invaluable support for the volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the stunning Victorian herbaceous border on Rotten Row which runs alongside Victoria Park.
It comes at a particularly important time with big events such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Food and Drink Festival, Southport Summer Solstice and others taking place this summer, along with thousands of international visitors coming to Victoria Park while The 154th Open Golf Championship is being played in the town.
The Friends of Rotten Row needed to raise £3,000 for a new “Florry” and were given a fantastic head start thanks to a generous £1,500 donation by Southport Rotary.
A Crowdfunder page was then set up, inviting local people and local businesses to show their support and add to the total, which was shared through Stand Up For Southport and other local media.
The successful campaign has now seen the delivery this week of “Florry 2”, with volunteers insisting “to us she is more important than the QE2”!
The Friends of Rotten Row and Southport Rotary Club have now thanked everyone for their help.
They said: “It’s a big thank you from all at the Friends Of Rotten Row.
“What a brilliant day we had as we took delivery of our new workhorse.
“Welcome “Florry 2”.
“To us she is more important than the QE2.
“Members of Southport Rotary, including President Stuart Fletcher and Glenys Critchley came along to present us with our new vehicle.
“We wish to thank Southport Rotary and all our many donors, mentioned in our previous posts,who have made this happen for us.
“Your support for us in our recent crowdfunding appeal has been absolutely incredible and we cannot thank you enough.
“Thanks again, you have helped us immensely, in being able to continue our work on Rotten Row.”
The original Florry was a converted golf buggy and was approximately 40 years old. She sadly came towards the end of her life and was not economically viable to repair.
She was invaluable to the volunteers, in the transportation of tools, soil and plants etc. thus enabling the volunteers of Friends of Rotten Row to work efficiently.
Stuart Fletcher of Southport Rotary said: “Southport Rotary was delighted to be able to start the ball rolling with our £1,500 towards the Friends of Rotten Row.
“They’re a fantastic group who do an amazing job in maintaining one of the most historic and eye-catching features in Southport.
“When events such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Food and Drink Festival and others are taking place at Victoria Park, the sight of Rotten Row always gives that wow factor to visitors – as it will when The Open Golf Championship is taking place this summer.
The funds have gone directly to The Friends Of Rotten Row to help them to continue with the magnificent work they’re doing to make Southport a better place for us all.”
- The Friends Of Rotten Row are always looking for volunteers or support for the work they’re doing. For more news please find them on Facebook: (20+) Facebook
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
