Mayor’s produce and flower show

Date published: 24 September 2018

The very first Mayor’s produce and flower show took place on Saturday (22 September) at St Aiden’s Church in Sudden.

Organised by Rochdale in Bloom, eager contestants had the opportunity to showcase their best fruits, vegetables, flowers, jams and chutneys to others from the borough and raise money for the Mayor’s charities.

First place prizes for produce, judged by the Growth Project’s Karen Hayday, were won by: Shaheen Akthar (seven), Jane Touil (three), Amina Miah (three), Dilufa Begum (three), Assarun Nessa (one), Councillor Billy Sheerin (one), and Joanne Elcock (one).

Prizes for the blossoms, judged by Paul Ellison, were awarded to Councillor Wendy Cocks (one) and Shaheen Akthar (three).

Jams and chutneys were judged by the WI and Councillor Ali Ahmed: Jean Butterworth took two first place prizes for her marmalade and stone fruit jam, whilst daughter Jane Touil won first place for her soft fruit jam. Shaheen picked up yet another first place certificate for her chilli chutney, and was also presented with a commendation for all her entries.

Ms Touil said: “This sort of event is a really good thing to do.”

Councillor Cocks said: “Following on from the In Bloom success in the town, it has been a real opportunity for all growers and producers to be brought together.

“It’s been a delight to see all the fruits and vegetables grown in the borough, and I look forward to doing it again next year.”

Phil Massey, of Rochdale in Bloom, commented: “A big part of Rochdale in Bloom is bringing communities together; events like this are a pleasure to assist with and I’m thrilled In Bloom is in a position to take part in such an event.

“It has been great to see the selection of produce and people from so many different communities come here today.”

Mayor Mohammed Zaman said: “It is really good to see Rochdale’s homegrown vegetables and fruits. It has been a very good effort and the people who have grown, really feel they have been valued.

“Today, they came here for everyone to appreciate their efforts, and provide an opportunity for the younger generation to see what we buy in the supermarkets can be grown. The produce is something grown, used and shared in Rochdale, and you can tell people have taken pride in what they grow.

“Thank you to Councillor Wendy Cocks for managing this, the participants for their entry, Rochdale Online for covering the event to inspire others in the future, the church for letting us use the hall, Rochdale in Bloom for their help, Councillor Ali Ahmed and the other judges.

“I hope this can be an annual event, and encourage more entries next year.”