Going Dutch: Coming Full Circle

Last summer, an explosion of vibrant colours and floral scents arrived in Colne when Going Dutch opened its doors in the former TSB Bank building opposite Colne Town Hall. The florist quickly charmed locals with its stunning arrangements and fresh flowers, helping Colners celebrate special occasions and brighten up their homes. However, this isn’t the first time Going Dutch has brought joy to the people of Colne.

For those with a long memory, owners Peter and Janet Boast might be familiar from their time running The Flower Basket at 48 Market Street back in 1987.

“We’re both from Pendle, but we had spent a couple of years living in Aalsmeer, Holland – the heart of the flower industry,” Peter shares. “When we returned to the UK, we bought a rundown Victorian house on Albert Road in Colne and started renovating. We had the idea of working together, and the opportunity to buy The Flower Basket came up.”

Peter and Janet re-named the shop and ran Going Dutch in Colne for three years until 1990 when they seized the opportunity to own their building in Nelson town centre. Inspired by their time in Holland, the pair sourced their blooms from Dutch growers, supplying fresh flowers across Pendle. They remained in Nelson for many years, relocating a short distance from their original location to a new shop next to Boyce’s at 34 Manchester Rd, Nelson.

Over the years, they’ve had many highlights, including four gold medals at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show and the privilege of arranging flowers for several high-profile weddings, including those of Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan. Janet also had the honour of arranging the flowers for the late Queen to carry at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

“Our proudest achievement, however, is training many young florists who’ve gone on to build their successful careers,” Janet beams.

Peter and Janet Boast (l) with colleagues Lindsay Sharp and Katherine Murray

Although Going Dutch became a well-known fixture on Nelson’s high street, the couple started to feel restless when the pandemic hit.

“After Covid, we noticed many businesses were relocating,” Peter explains. “We began looking for a new location, and Colne felt like the natural choice. It took a couple of years to find the right spot, but we finally opened our doors on June 24.”

The shop has already become a favourite among Colners, fitting seamlessly into the community. “The reception has been fantastic. There’s a real sense of positivity in Colne, and many of our customers followed us from Nelson, but we’re also making lots of new connections.”

After more than three decades in the florist business, Peter and Janet have embraced the digital age, offering online shopping. “It’s a far cry from the early days when I had to hand in paper credit card slips at TSB Bank. Now, we have our own ‘flower bank’!” Peter laughs.

The couple also runs a flower school. Their next workshop, in partnership with About Coffee, is scheduled for around Easter. Follow their social media for more details.

ColneLife March/April/May 25