Bath MP Ben Howlett took up his trowel on Remembrance Day to help plant 100 tulip bulbs donated to the B&NES Carers’ Centre by the Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association.
The bulbs are part of a consignment of 5,000 donated to the city from its twin town in the Netherlands, to help mark 70 years of friendship between the two cities.
Other bulbs are being planted in Orange Grove, Parade Gardens, and in junior and infant schools across Bath.
BATA Chairman, Martin Broadbent, explained: “70 years ago, Alkmaar sent the City 5,000 tulip bulbs to say thanks for the incredible support Bathonians showed, especially to its children, in the aftermath of the last terrible winter of the Second World War.
“Out of that friendship has come seven decades of friendship and exchange, and we were delighted when Alkmaar offered us another 5,000 bulbs to commemorate this special bond.”
Ben Howlett, who has himself helped with some of the installation and maintenance of the Carers’ Centre garden, said he was keen to lend a hand.
He added: “I was delighted to play a part in planting some of these rather special tulip bulbs, especially as it was on Remembrance Day.
“It is entirely appropriate that some bulbs have come to the Carers’ Centre here in Bath, which does such a wonderful job helping those who care for others.”
Director of the Carers’ Centre, Sonia Hutchison, said: “We are very grateful to BATA and our friends in Holland, for donating these bulbs – and to Ben for coming to help plant them.
“Our garden is an important part of the service we offer local carers, and these tulip bulbs will both brighten things up in Spring, and give us something to talk about as we relax outdoors next year.”
