Town basks in golden glow of in Bloom glory
FLORAL displays throughout the borough have scooped another impressive haul of awards at the annual North West in Bloom ceremony.
Rochdale In Bloom won gold in the Best Large Town/ Small City category for the very first time, with a further three dozen awards picked up on the night by local townships.
The volunteer-led organisation, which consists of various parties including Friends’ of groups, local businesses and residents, received the award in Southport on Friday, November 1.
Mayor Billy Sheerin said: “This has been a very special day for us all. We’ve been striving for years to be the category winner, but we’ve always been second best.
“This year we have surpassed everyone, and I’m delighted for the township and all our supporters. It’s a massive team effort which cannot be won alone.”
Achieving the highest award possible comes after a year of tireless work from the group to prepare for the visit of Royal Horticultural Society judges in July.
Roy Down, chairman of Rochdale In Bloom, said: “I’m on cloud nine; this is the best possible outcome for us.
“I can’t put into words how utterly thrilled I am.”
The organisation thanked sponsors and partner, Rochdale Council, particularly the Environmental Management team who keep the borough clean.
They weren’t the only winners on the night, with a further 23 gold awards part of a staggering tally of 37 awards across the spectrum.
Norden Jubilee Park was judged to be the best ‘pocket park,’ Hollingworth
Lake the best large tourist destination and the Flying Horse the best small accommodation.
There were also awards for delightful displays at a number of local parks including Harehill Park, Queen’s Park, St Edward’s Primary School, and young resident Sarah Down won the ‘Young Bloomer of the Year’ prize.
Councillor Neil Emmott, cabinet member for the environment, said the groups won’t be resting on their laurels and will be going for gold once more next year. He added: “This was another stunning triumph for our brilliant In Bloom groups. They are a credit to our borough. I am proud of their incredible haul of gold medals which underlines the time, effort and commitment they put in to ensure our borough is an attractive place to live, work and visit.”
North West in Bloom is the voluntary regional organisation that administers the Britain in Bloom competition which is one of the longest running environmental competitions in the UK.