Number of basket buyers still going up

A TOTAL of 240 hanging baskets to brighten up Henley this summer has been bought so far.

Residents and businesses in Henley can take part in the scheme, which is supported by the Henley Standard’s Buy a Basket campaign.

The baskets, which are supplied by WindowFlowers of Burnham, will be installed during May and watered and maintained until September.

Eigthteen businesses have signed up to the scheme so far, including McQueen Turner, Villa Marina, Calvert Jones, Blandy & Blandy, Ballards, Henley Group International, Redmayne Bentley, Safebuy, Royal House Dental Centre, Henley Chocolate Café, THP Solicitors, Courtiers, Accenture, Savills, Manning UK, Tomalin & Son, Sara Batting and Robinson Sherston.

The Relais Hotel has purchased one basket. Manager Chris Sand said: “It makes the hotel look nice and it’s great to be a part of the community and supporting one another.”

Their baskets will be visible all year long at the entrance.

Alexa McQueen-Turner, owner of McQueen Turner Solicitors in Station Road, has also bought a basket.

She said: “We have had one before and it looked really nice.

“I just want anything that is bright and cheerful to cheer us all up and get us over this abysmal weather.” Nicholas Hall Taylor, 83, of Radnor Close, said: “This is the third or fourth time we have bought a basket.

“They look nice and once they are put up they are looked after, which is super- helpful to me.”

John Glen. 91, of Ravenscroft Road, said: “I have had one every year for at least five years, or at least as long as I can remember. The baskets brighten up the town up a bit.”

Bryan Wrighton, 69, of Gravel Hill, said: “This will be our third season and we do it because they do the watering, which helps when we are away on summer holiday.

“We didn’t enjoy the coronation theme last year and thought the purple and gold didn’t work. The previous years were much better.

“We would love to see bright colours like yellow, blue and green.”

Tanya Copas, of Marlow Road, said: “I have been doing it since I moved back to Henley three years ago and I just have one basket.

“I think it is the first basket you see as you come into Henley.”

Patrick Butcher buys a basket for his daughter, Lauren, who lives in King’s Road.

He said: “We have had one basket for the last four or five years now and it’s just a really great display that is well looked after.”

Alison Finch, of King’s Close, has bought a basket every year since moving to Henley in 2021.

She said: “I saw my friends had one and they told me you could get them from the council, so I did.

“I like the fact it’s a thing that unites the community.”

Michael Allen Sharp, 78, of Gravel Hill, said: “I think the baskets are a marvellous idea and they make the whole town look really nice.

“The great advantage is that they are maintained. In these times it’s not too cheap but it’s a great thing and if more of our residents would come on the bandwagon that would be great.”

The cost of a hanging baskets, including watering and maintenance by Windowflowers, is £78, including VAT.

For just the delivery and removal, and no watering or maintenance, the cost is £56.40, including VAT.

The baskets will be installed during late May/early June and will be fully maintained until late September when they are removed or replaced with winter baskets.

Winter baskets will be installed in October and removed in May.

Orders should be placed by May 19 by visiting https://form.jotform.com/
henleytowncouncil/hanging-baskets

Orders can also be made directly with the Information Centre at the town hall, or by calling (01491) 576982.

Payment needs to be made at the time of ordering your basket(s).