‘City slickers’ strike gold at bloom awards
ROCHDALE has won big at this year’s Britain in Bloom awards, the most prestigious horticultural competition in the country.
Floral displays across the borough were recognised with a ‘gold’ award to beat out Bath, Canterbury and Burton to win in the ‘small city’ category.
The result was announced at a ceremony in London on Monday, the first in two years due to the pandemic.
Rochdale went forward after being chosen to represent the North West in the small city category following a visit by Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) judges in the summer.
Voluntary group Rochdale in Bloom along with support form the council plus schools, volunteers, businesses and residents came together to play their part in making Rochdale a worthy winner Paul Ellison, Rochdale in Bloom volunteer who lives in Norden, said: “We’re all delighted and it’s still sinking in basically.
“It’s good news for Rochdale. Rochdale and champions being in the same sentence you don’t hear that often.
“The big shock was to win the category where we were up against the big hitters Bath, Canterbury and Burton.
“We’ve come from small beginnings, to bigger and better things.
“Places like Bath are a tourist area Rochdale’s a different kettle of fish. We are big on the community and that’s what the judges saw. We’re really proud and we weren’t expecting the result we got.”
The judges were impressed with the stunning presentation across Rochdale, only seeing a snapshot of features across the town including the memorial gardens, Denehurst Park and floral displays bursting with colour outside No1 Riverside.
Roy Down, chairman of Rochdale in Bloom, added: “We cannot thank Rochdale Borough Council’s environmental management team enough.
“Rochdale has the perfect partnership of community volunteers and professional support - it’s a winning formula.”
There was a significant focus this year on marking the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee through regal flower displays and the installation of an ornamental pear tree outside the council’s offices as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
The planting of sunflowers was also prevalent in solidarity with those in Ukraine and 400 packets of Dwarf Pacino sunflower seeds were given to council staff in support and recognition of the ongoing conflict.
Councillor Liam O’rourke, the council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “What an accolade to be recognised and take the top spot again in the small city category at Britain in Bloom awards.
“Pretty hanging baskets and well-thought-out floral displays are a feast for the eyes, but so much more hard work goes on behind the scenes.
“Our teams and inhouse nursery at Bowlee work collaboratively with many other volunteers and groups, such as Rochdale in Bloom, creating outstanding sustainable displays, planters, and gardens we can all enjoy.
“We’re thrilled that our collaborative efforts have not gone unnoticed and have now attracted recognition beyond our firstclass borough.”
Results for the North West in Bloom regional competition involving all four Rochdale Townships will be announced on October 20, 2022.