Blooming Haddington was formed in 2013. With practical on the ground cooperation from East Lothian Amenity Services and advice from longer-established community gardening groups in the county, rapid progress saw the group win best newcomer and a silver-gilt medal in its first year entering in Beautiful Scotland. Since then, the group has won a series of gold medals and the medium town category at both Scottish and UK levels in Britain in Bloom.
From the outset Rab has been a key volunteer. He very quickly decided that he would be the volunteer responsible for the hanging baskets in the town. From early June until October, he is out before 6 am, every day if necessary, watering and feeding up to 200 baskets. The baskets always receive many compliments from residents and visitors while judges regularly describe them as the best they have seen. Growth is so vigorous they sometimes have to be cut back for the benefit of pedestrians.
Rab is always first to volunteer for other group projects. He enthusiastically does the digging and other heavy work in the group’s beds in the local park, as well as helping to maintain the many planters that the group places around the town.
Haddington would not have achieved the awards it has to date without the significant contribution made by Rab Moran. His commitment to the local community is not only with Blooming Haddington but also with the town’s Community Council where he has been a valued member for many years.
