Alison Fairman, pictured with the Boston Buoy on Custom House Quay (picture by Nathan Bryant)
A well-known resident of Boston, known for donning her marigolds, has been awarded an BEM in the 2020 New Years Honours List.
Alison Fairman, chair of the Boston in Bloom partnership, 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.
Councillor Aaron Spencer, Leader of Boston Borough Council said: “I’m delighted to hear that the hard work, dedication and commitment of Alison Fairman has been noted on a national level, with news that she’s has been awarded an BEM in the New Year’s Honours.
“Alison’s passion to turn our town around has encouraged many to join groups, having been the figurehead behind the towns Citizen’s Advice Bureau in the 1980’s, the lead behind the award winning Boston in Bloom, Boston Hanse Group, The Big Boston Dig and much more.
“Having known Alison for a while, a can confidently say that her knowledge-ability is vast.
“I continue to offer my thanks and praise to Alison for all that she does for our town.”
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’.
Boston in Bloom committee receiving their awards in 2018