Tributes paid to Penny Stocks a true Wisbech stalwart
Tributes have been paid to one of Wisbech’s most well known faces who worked tirelessly for the community for well over 30 years and was a true stalwart of the town.
Penny Stocks sadly died on Monday at the age of 75 after bravely battling cancer.
She was secretary of Wisbech in Bloom, the group responsible for making the town beautiful every summer and which she helped form while she was working in Wisbech tourist office.
She was also vice-chair of Wisbech Street Pride Group, was involved in the Wisbech community orchard projects and worked tirelessly with lots of other community groups and schools.
Her passing was announced by her friend and chair of Wisbech in Bloom Alan Wheeldon in a post to the group’s Facebook page.
Alan said: “Penny will be sadly missed by the members of Wisbech in Bloom and Street Pride who got to know and love her for the wonderful lady that she was.
“She was one of the founding members of Wisbech in Bloom and as secretary, Penny steered Wisbech to win no less that 14 RHS gold medals including three Prestigious Britain in Bloom awards.
“She was responsible for creating, designing and planting many of the flower beds in Wisbech including the winter garden, the welcome garden, the blind garden, the white garden, the bee garden, the island beds, both lots of Sleeper beds either side of Freedom Bridge and the Clarkson Memorial bed.
“She was fundamental in helping to create the community orchard in the park, the foraging orchard on Harecroft Road and was a member of the committee that kickstarted the Fenland Community Orchard on Lynn Road.
“She also helped plant flowering cherry trees all over Wisbech and the very popular floral bicycles that adorn the town each year were Penny's idea.
“She has met literally hundreds if not thousands of people while she has been out tending the flower beds and planting the tubs, troughs and planters that brighten up Wisbech each year, and she would always find time to stop and have a chat to anyone passing.
“Penny will be deeply missed by so many. Penny designed and help plant the well-being garden outside St Peter’s this year and it is there that we have chosen to put out flowers as a tribute to this wonderful lady.
“You are most welcome to add flowers if you wish. Our thoughts are with her family especially her husband Ian and daughter Bryony, at this difficult time. Penny Stocks R.I.P.”
