Power of flowers, and a nomination for Danny
YOUNG horticulturist Danny Poland brightened up his village and put a smile on his neighbours’ faces during lockdown by planting dozens of sunflowers.
Now Danny, 21, has been nominated for a Queen Consort’s Coronation Champions Award, organised by the Royal Voluntary Service and backed by the Daily Mail.
Mr Poland mobilised residents to form a Village in Bloom group, which saw Irthington in Cumbria pick up a Silver Gilt in last year’s Britain in Bloom competition, while Danny received a Young Persons Champion Award. And during last summer’s drought, he delivered between 150 to 200 litres of rainwater a day to the flowers he planted around the village on a trailer attached to his bicycle.
He said it was ‘fantastic’ to be put forward for the Coronation Champions award. Mr Poland, who works at Larch Cottage Nurseries while caring for his disabled mother, was nominated by neighbour and Mail reader Gill Burns, 5. She said: ‘The village has really benefited from his inspiration and involvement.’
Five hundred champions will receive a pin, a certificate from Camilla and an invitation to one of the Coronation events. To nominate, follow the web address below.