Special award for 'Outstanding' Rochdale in Bloom chair

Roy Down, Chairman of Rochdale In Bloom

There wasn't a dry eye in the Rochdale in Bloom camp as their very own chairman received the 'Outstanding Contributions' award for his community work at the RHS North West In Bloom ceremony last week.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/123577/rochdale-scoops-gold-at-north-west-in-bloom

Roy Down joined the group in 2010 and volunteered as a committed member of the group until this year when he took over as chairman.

Under his guidance Rochdale in Bloom received a gold at Tatton Park, a gold award for the third year in a row at North West level and also gold at the national Britain in Bloom. The team also went on to achieve a further 33 awards for the regional route and 30 awards for It's Your Neighbourhood entries, more than any other town in the competition.

Rochdale In Bloom is a community based, volunteer led organisation dedicated to brightening up Rochdale for residents and visitors alike.

They devote their time and effort to building community links, tackling gaps in social infrastructure and creating a green environment for Rochdale residents to take pride and get involved in.

Roy works quietly in the background, never seeking personal credit for his contribution. His strength in leadership has drawn more and more volunteers to the group and galvanised the team into taking on increased social responsibility with projects such as the new war memorial in Castleton.

His vision for Rochdale in Bloom sees him working closely with a range of community groups and the council and encourages a real team spirit and collaborative approach.

Achieving gold awards in these competitions isn't only about creating blooming horticultural displays and it is Roy's attention to detail in studying the criteria and creating strategy to convert volunteer efforts into award points that has brought about such fantastic results.

Councillor Billy Sheerin, Rochdale in Bloom committee member, said: "I can honestly say that Roy Down has been an inspirational and supportive Rochdale in Bloom committee member for several years. Working with Roy has been a great experience and although we all have worked hard, we have had some fun.

"He has a dry sense of humour which always shines through, especially when things are going against us and judging days are getting close. He has always encouraged new volunteers to get involved in their communities and given them advice and help and this has not just been within Rochdale township but Middleton and Heywood too. He's a committed volunteer wanting to improve our environment and that makes him rather special, however, he is rubbish at crown green bowling!"