Town Centre Champion – Elaine Atkinson & Grimsby in Bloom

This month, we shine our spotlight on Elaine Atkinson and the volunteers of Grimsby in Bloom—a community-driven group whose work is blossoming across our streets.

Their stunning floral displays, planters, and greening efforts are doing more than beautify the town centre—they are shaping how people feel about their surroundings, creating pride, calm, and a touch of nature in everyday life.

Who is Elaine & Why Grimsby in Bloom Matters

Elaine has been a dedicated member of Grimsby in Bloom since 2008, and is now Chair of the organisation. (She also brings expertise from her horticultural background.)  

As Chair, she guides the group’s vision and partners with the council, volunteers, businesses and residents to deliver environmental and community benefit across Grimsby. 

Grimsby in Bloom is much more than just flowers.

Under Elaine’s leadership, the group has expanded its role in the community—running river cleans, planting displays, erecting planters, and now more boldly stepping into town centre regeneration spaces. 

One significant milestone: thanks to a Community Asset Transfer approved by the council, Grimsby in Bloom now has a new lease on extra land at Duke of York Gardens.

This move gives them room to grow—literally and figuratively—adding community gardens, nature areas, and expanded facilities. Elaine described it as giving the group the freedom to not just plant, but to build a place of connection.

What They’ve Achieved in the Town Centre

In recent months, Grimsby in Bloom’s work has grown more visible—and more vital:

Riverhead Square

When the newly refurbished Riverhead Square needed final touches, Grimsby in Bloom led the planting programme. Volunteers prepared beds, planted, and nurtured displays, selecting colours and textures designed to complement the town’s new public space.

They even used thyme along edges to offer aroma and attract wildlife. Elaine reflected that the transformation drew many positive comments and made the square “a place people feel proud to sit in.” 

Victoria Street & Planters

 Earlier in the year, the group installed new planters filled with seasonal blooms along Victoria Street, and contributed to “living wall” installations to enhance aesthetics and air quality. These greening efforts have already started making a difference—residents reporting that the town feels more vibrant. Elaine emphasised the role of nature in improving wellbeing.

Community & Youth Engagement

 Grimsby in Bloom works closely with local schools too. One project saw a primary school contribute hanging baskets and designs for signage, with the students involved in growing the plants and understanding the regeneration plan behind them. 

Why We Chose Them as Champion Now

There are many reasons Elaine and her team deserve our recognition this month:

• Their floral work isn’t just decorative—it contributes to wellbeing. Green spaces and planted surroundings help soften urban areas, reduce stress, and improve how people feel in the spaces they move through daily.
• They’re stepping into regeneration projects directly, not waiting to be asked. Taking over Riverhead Square’s planting shows they’re ready to be partners in the future of town centre design.
• They bring people together—volunteers, schools, residents, and council—creating a shared sense of ownership and care for our public spaces.
• Their recent expansion through the Asset Transfer means their capacity for impact is growing. This isn’t a temporary splash of colour—it’s community infrastructure.

Elaine and Grimsby in Bloom are planting more than flowers—they’re planting hope, pride, and connection.

Elaine, you and the Grimsby in Bloom volunteers have done an outstanding job in the town centre. Both local businesses and visitors are grateful for the hard work, colour, and greenery you’ve brought into the heart of Grimsby.

“Grimsby in Bloom has turned our town centre into a celebration of colour and community. Their passion shines through every flowerbed and planter — making Grimsby a place we’re proud to call home.” - 2025 Group Board

‘The Grimsby in Bloom team have truly transformed our town centre, bringing colour, care, and community spirit to every corner. Their dedication and creativity have made Grimsby a more welcoming, vibrant place for residents and visitors alike. They are true Town Centre Champions, and we’re incredibly proud of the difference they’ve made’. - North East Lincolnshire Council