Cockling tragedy victims to be remembered at RHS Flower Show

The tragic deaths of 23 Chinese cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay are to be remembered in Lancaster City Council’s display at this year’s RHS Flower Show.

The council has teamed up with acclaimed local artist Chas Jacobs to design the display, which will go on show at Tatton Park in the National Flower Bed Competition.

It depicts the terrible aftermath of events in February 2004 following a desperate effort to try and rescue Chinese cockle pickers who had become trapped by the tide while working late at night.

A cockle picker’s cart and rake lie stranded on a sandbank in the middle of Morecambe Bay surrounded by the sea – the same scene which confronted the rescue workers the following morning.

Coun Jon Barry, Cabinet member with responsibility for City Council (Direct) Services, said: “Morecambe Bay is one of our district’s greatest assets and an extremely important site for wildlife.

“But at the same time its tides and sands are notoriously treacherous and have claimed many lives over the years. This year’s Tatton display reflects the beauty of the bay at the same as recognising its deadly nature.”

Over the years the council has been successful at the Tatton show, which this year runs from July 22 to 26.

Two years ago the gardening team picked up a gold medal and they have also won a number of silver gilt and bronze medals.

The display is put together by the council’s team of green-fingered gardeners and gives the council the opportunity to promote the district to thousands of people.