Record breaking year for Rochdale in Bloom

Date published: 01 November 2018

Safe to say it's been the best year yet for Rochdale in Bloom team members.

Fresh off the back of the Tatton Park gold award in the Blooming Border category, and a gold award from their first ever entry into the national Britain in Bloom competition, there's now a massive 30 awards for their It's Your Neighbourhood entries into the North West in Bloom competition.

The regional North West in Bloom competition consists of two judging days. The first is a guided tour taking in areas of interest around Rochdale, the second allows for visits to community based projects that include local schools, allotments, health and well-being projects and conservation areas.

It's this second day of judging that has on 31 October earned a further 30 awards. Each entry is marked on its individual merit and can gain a maximum level 5 award.

Catley Lane Head and the Friends of Ashworth Valley have been awarded the highest accolade possible, both gaining level 5 awards on their first time in the competition.

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/123506/new-entry-ashworth-valley-receives-maximum-level-outstanding-at-britain-in-bloom-awards

The Growth Project has unsurprisingly come away with a level 5 for the fifth year running while the Cutgate alleygate scheme has gained a level 5 award and earned best in the North West. Another project that has improved every year is Q Gardens on Queensway, gaining a Level 5 this year.

 

 

 

Rochdale AFC's Wonderwall took home a level 5 award (outstanding) for community interaction. The seven foot high wall took 40 members of the community a day to plant and brings a warm welcome to those visiting Spotland stadium. This community inspired project, is probably unique in the English Football League. We don't think there is another football stadium that has anything like the Wonderwall. 

St Edward's Primary School, Castleton received a special environmental discretionary award.

 

 

Rochdale in Bloom chairman, Roy Down said: " The community awards are something really special. They are, for me, the best part of being involved in Rochdale in Bloom. This is the grass roots of In Bloom, the community groups and the volunteers.

"Their judging day doesn't always get the same publicity as the main In Bloom judging days, but it is just as important in showcasing what Rochdale's community groups have to offer. Many groups also work in partnership with the ranger service and other council departments to help achieve their goals. This in itself adds great value to many projects.

''When I first got involved with In Bloom nearly ten years ago, I think we only had three or four active In Bloom community groups, now that figure has rocketed and it increases every year. This can only be good for our borough, as I know that the interest from new groups is already out there for 2019's entry.

''This year's unprecedented 30 awards is breath-taking. I am very proud to be asked to chair such a fantastic group, Rochdale in Bloom has really helped to bring some good news to our town. We are very proud of where we live, and I think that shows in our commitment to brighten up many parts of our town.''

The awards season isn't over yet. This Friday, the group will be back in Southport alongside members of the Pennines, Middleton and Heywood townships ready to hear the North West in Bloom decision on their displays this year.

 

 

North West In Bloom Awards 2018 Community Awards

(Level 5 = Outstanding is highest award possible, level 4 Thriving, Level 3 Advancing)

 

Rochdale: 30 total

Environmental awards: St Edwards CE Primary School, Castleton, Rochdale

 

LEVEL 3:

1. Alice Ingham Court

2. Walking Trail

3. Broad Lane Community Woodlands

4. Friends of Bamford

5. Leopold Court Homeless Hostel

6. Moss Row Community Orchard & Woodland

7. Mountside View

8. Olive Standring House

9. Stoney Hill Meadow

 

LEVEL 4:

1. Apna Illaka Partnership Project

2. Moss Row Community Allotments

3. Petrus Community Pocket Park

4. Petrus Incredible Edibles Medical Allotments

5. Ravendale Residents Gardens

6. Sheriff St

7. Thistleyfield

8. Yew Court

 

Level 5:

1. Catley Lane Head

2. Derrick Walker Court

3. Jubilee Park

4. Edenfield Rd Alley Gate Scheme

5. Q Gardens

6. Roch Valley Educational Partnership

7. Rochdale AFC Wonderwall

8. Saxon House

9. The Friends of Ashworth Valley

10. The Growth Project

 

5 Years Outstanding:

The Growth Project

 

RHS Awards:

Best Alley Gate Award - North West

Edenfield Road Alley Gate Scheme