Step 7: Develop your own constitution and open a bank account.

 

Develop your own constitution and open a bank account, this enables you to be independent and will make grant applications much easier. This need not be an off putting task it just involves having a written constitution, elected committee and an AGM, but does open so many doors. Seek the support of the local community including schools and voluntary groups; seek the residents’ opinion on how they think the area could be improved and how they could get involved. Ensure there is good publicity about the “In Bloom” group and the work/projects carried out, using local newspaper reports, church and community newsletters, local posters or local radio. Decide how you will acquire the plant material e.g. supplied by the Local Authority, grown by local residents or sponsored by a local garden centre.