Community rallies together for 'Bulbs for Lives' in Horsham

Thousands of bulbs were planted in Horsham Park in recognition of the invaluable work of the Samaritans in Horsham and Crawley over the past 50 years.

More than 150 people went along to the park to plant up one or more square metres of a bulb field with crocus and narcissus.

Friends of Horsham Park chairman Sally Sanderson said: “The ground was hard and the digging was pretty tough, but that just made people more determined.

"People were inspired by watching and chatting to those around – some got quite competitive. ‘How many squares have you done?’

"A rumour quickly spread that a woman in her 80s had done four squares in the first session – and she had.

"Even when the rain set in on Sunday, people kept going and kept smiling.

“People of all ages, backgrounds and levels of fitness joined in – it was a very inclusive event. Volunteers from the Friends of Horsham Park and Samaritans were joined by those who had heard about it on social media or read about it in the West Sussex County Times, and people walking by who wanted to get involved.

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"For some it was their first time planting so the demonstration from the Parks and Countryside team was much appreciated.

“Everyone had their own reason for volunteering: to recognise the invaluable work of the Samaritans, to indulge in some gardening, to plant bulbs to enjoy in the spring, to feel part of a community doing something special and for some of the children it was the delight of getting muddy.

"There were also those who came in memory of a friend or family member who had taken their own life, or to say a personal thank you because the Samaritans were there for them at a difficult time in their own life.

“Whatever the reason, the result was a wonderful weekend where everyone felt part of something bigger than themselves – a community coming together to create something for the future.”

The event was a partnership project between the Samaritans, Friends of Horsham Park and Horsham District Council’s Parks and Countryside team.