Anyone who has walked through Newton-le-Willows on a summers day will know how beautiful the town can look — hanging baskets and floral displays lining the high street – due, in large part, to the hard work of Newton in Bloom volunteers.
It turns out those flowers have caught more than a few admiring glances over the years. Local author Brian Agger was so inspired by the town’s seasonal displays that they found their way into the pages of his children’s book, The Flower Girl, which features real places in Newton-le-Willows that young readers can spot and recognise.
Now, following a successful summer for the book, he has returned to thank the people who helped inspire it.
Brian recently visited Newton in Bloom volunteers to present them with a donation from a share of the book’s profits, following warm feedback from readers over the summer.
The Flower Girl features real places in Newton-le-Willows that children can recognise as they follow the story of Jasmine and her dog, Spring. Among the local landmarks is the home of volunteer Catherine Donnellan, whose roses inspired a scene in the book and an accompanying hand-drawn illustration by artist Ruth Sanderson.
Brian Agger with Newton in Bloom volunteer Catherine Donnellan. The roses around her cottage inspired a scene in The Flower Girl, which also features her front door.
“It’s been wonderful to hear from families who have enjoyed The Flower Girl over the summer,” Brian said. “I wanted to come back and share that news with Newton in Bloom, and to give them a donation from the book’s profits. Their flowers bring so much colour to our town, and I’m delighted the story can help support their work.”
Illustrated by Ruth Sanderson, The Flower Girl follows Jasmine as she meets six Flower Fairies who show her that flowers do much more than look beautiful.
“I hope the story encourages children to explore outdoors and notice the nature around them,” Brian added. “The Newton in Bloom volunteers help make that possible right here in our town.”
This thoughtful donation will go towards ensuring Newton-le-Willows continues to look its very best in the summers to come – so well done to Brian. Who knows what, or who, those future displays might inspire…!
The Flower Girl is available from Jasmine’s Gifts in Newton-le-Willows, online at www.jasminesgifts.co.uk and on Amazon.