Bulwell’s shops are battling it out to win the town’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee window display competition. Businesses in the area are turning their storefronts into vibrant scenes to mark the long-serving monarch’s 70th year on the throne.
The competition has been organised by Nottingham City Council’s neighbourhood development officers. The winner will be announced next week (w/c May 23) and land a trophy donated by Trophies and Awards on Potter Way, Bulwell.
Foster’s Shoe Repairs in Banks Yard is the oldest independent cobblers in Nottingham dating back to 1888. The business has traded over six different monarchs since Queen Victoria.
Owners, Debra Foster, 51, and brother David, 54 said their window will be decorated by the 5th generation of the Foster family. Debra’s two daughters, Mischa and Evangeline, love to decorate the shop for every occasion and have won several awards already for the best Christmas window competitions.
Debra said: “All of us at Foster’s absolutely adore Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family. It is such a joyous occasion and should be celebrated in style.
“We want to bring a smile to people’s faces when they see all the wonderful decorations and just spread the happiness around Bulwell.” Dudley’s Hair and Beauty on Commercial Road are also taking part.
They hope to bring a bit of sunshine to the people of Bulwell. Kendall Spencer 30, a beauty therapist at the salon, said: “I think this is a fun initiative for local businesses.
“After the pandemic, we all need something that can help bring people and the local community together and I think this is a perfect way. People love to come here for a chat or a laugh.
“We got quite a personality here at Dudley’s and I feel this is what we are known for.” Rita Owens, 85, a volunteer at the Bulwell Charitable Trust, has also decorated the shop’s window for the occasion, with poppies she knitted herself.
Rita and fellow volunteer Chris Crossley, 75, have strong family connections with the military and pride themselves in helping the local veterans with fundraising. Chris said: “Rita should be very proud, especially at the age of 85, decorating the shop window for such an important event, while helping raise money for people in the military.
“We won window competitions in the past and we had two big trophies, but one was unfortunately stolen. This year we don’t know what the prize will be, but we are happy to take part in celebrating our Queen.”
Among the businesses taking part are the Bulwell Chippy, DI Blow Opticians, Dudley’s Hair and Beauty, Cash Shop Bulwell, Alex Norris constituency office, Shelton, Bulwell Charitable Trust, Extra Care Charitable Trust, Fosters Shoe Repairs, Geezers and Life, The Lighthouse Charity Shop and Mike's mobility.
