Golden success at RHS ‘In Bloom’ awards

Rochdale - Gold medal Best Large Town, Small City - RHS North West in Bloom Awards 2016

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Rochdale won a raft of awards, including a Gold Award, in this year’s North West in Bloom competition, staged by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Rochdale’s entry highlights some of the best horticultural projects from across the town and shines a light on some of the amazing work being done by community groups, schools, businesses and residents, alongside more structured municipal planting.

When the RHS judges visited back in July, they commented positively on the way in which Rochdale focuses on community involvement.

The Gold Award came following a lengthy list of individual accolades for businesses, projects and attractions around the town which included: 

• Gold Medal and Overall North West Champion for Springhill Hospice in the Best Hospice Grounds category
• Gold Medal and Overall North West Champion for Zen Internet in the Best Commercial Premises category
• Gold Medal for The Flying Horse in the Best Small Accommodation category
• The Heritage Award for the reopening of the River Roch
• Silver Gilt in the Best Town Centre category
• Outstanding Achievement for the Cutgate Alley Gate Scheme
• Outstanding Achievement for Jubilee Park in Norden
• Outstanding Achievement for Moss Row Allotments
• Outstanding Achievement for The Growth Project
• Outstanding Achievement for the Roch Valley Outdoor Learning Centre
• Thriving Achievement for Castleton Station
• Thriving Achievement for the residents gardens at Ravendale Sheltered Housing Complex

Many more awards were also received in Heywood and the Pennines under their individual entries, making this a truly incredible achievement across the whole borough.

Mayor Ray Dutton was on hand to help receive the awards, along with committee members, and staff from the Council Environmental Management team, he said: “I am delighted to have been the Mayor in a year that Rochdale Borough had done so exceptionally well.”

Rochdale Township in Bloom Chairman, Nigel Morrell said: “This year’s victories are the culmination of six years of consistent effort by volunteers from throughout the Township.

"This year we have undoubtedly benefitted from the involvement of Rochdale Town Centre Management Company as well as increased support from Rochdale Council Environmental Management department.

"Our Success along with that of Heywood and Pennines in Bloom groups makes Rochdale a key player in RHS in Bloom in the North West.“

Vice Chairman and Schools Coordinator, Roy Down commented: “This year’s results are a testimony to the efforts put in by our team and groups representing all sections of the community in our town.”

An event at Rochdale Town Hall is now to be planned to congratulate all involved and to showcase the awards.