Chair of Boston in Bloom, known for donning her marigolds, has been awarded an BEM in the 2020 New Years Honours list
Alison Fairman, who is also a member of the History of Boston Project, a trustee of the Boston Preservation Trust and serves on the Fydell House Committee was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the Community in Boston, Lincolnshire.
A spokesman for Boston in Bloom said: “Alison is a fountain of horticultural knowledge and the whole committee agree that this is certainly well deserved. Alison is the spearhead behind the In Bloom campaign, and is more than happy to get her hands dirty whatever the hour, and whatever the weather, and furthermore is delighted to be able to pass on her wisdom of horticulture to fellow committee members and younger generations.
“We all thank Alison for her hard work, and continue to applaud the commitment and courage that she shares. It’s a fantastic honour for everyone to be able to able to learn from such an inspirational character.”
Speaking of the award, Alison said: “I’m very pleased and honoured to be recognised but it was such a shock.
“I’m not an armchair critic, when I see something that needs changing or improving, I get up out of my armchair and try to do something about it.
“I have always felt that our heritage has been ignored to a certain extent. I think it’s really important now that tourism is so important that we encourage everyone to love our heritage.”
In 2016, Alison was awarded the Freedom of the Borough for ‘the significant contribution she has made to numerous organisations in the Borough area’.
