Rochdale in Bloom welcomes RHS judges as they tour the town

Date published: 04 July 2018

The RHS Britain In Bloom judges arrived in Rochdale on Tuesday for their journey around the town, visiting key locations that are hoped to be in full bloom.

Volunteers have been busy working since April to improve areas around the borough, with lots of new features installed this year.

The judges began at Nutters Restaurant where Andrew Nutter, the ambassador for Rochdale in Bloom, hosted refreshments.

Moving on to Norden Jubilee Park, friends of the park welcomed the judges as they looked at the ‘Tree of Life’, placed in memory of late Councillor Ann Metcalfe and the general environment.

Other key visits to show off Rochdale’s heritage and environment included trips to Moss Row allotments, Norden’s blooming rockery, blooming alley gates, Denehurst Park and then the Wonderwall at Rochdale AFC's ground, which judges were ‘definitely impressed by the wonderful colourful space’.

Roch Valley outdoor learning site, Castleton Railway Station, Castleton War Memorial, St Edward’s School, Zen Internet, Springhill Hospice and Petrus were also locations included to show Rochdale in Bloom.

Finishing the journey in the town centre, judges visited Rochdale’s memorial gardens before venturing to the newly installed pop up garden outside the town hall. The garden displays a fitting tribute to commemorate 100 years since WW1 with poppies, poetry and silhouettes of soldiers.

Paul Ellison, Rochdale in Bloom committee, said: “The RHS judges were overwhelmed by the fitting tribute to Castleton and loved the pop up garden.

“Once again in 2018, the magnificent efforts of our volunteers have been matched by the input from sponsors, supporters and Rochdale Council.

“A big well done to all of you, we are hoping for a terrific result!”

On Sunday, MP for Rochdale Tony Lloyd cut the ribbon for a new walking trail at Spotland Library for Rochdale in Bloom. He said: “A disused field has now been transformed into a wonderful 200m gentle trail, where senior citizens can go for a walk and feel safe.”

Rochdale in Bloom consists of months of work undertaken by many local volunteers, groups and projects from across Rochdale Township, with the support of Rochdale Council and the environmental management team.