Middleton ‘very optimistic for future’ in RHS In Bloom contest

Middleton in Bloom 2017

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Following the first entry into the Royal Horticultural Society’s In Bloom contest, Middleton is feeling ‘very optimistic’ for their future in the competition.

Until this year, Middleton was the only town in the Rochdale Borough not to enter the contest. However, last week, judges were taken on a tour of various projects completed by the In Bloom team. The Nowster Mega Clean was hailed as the stand out project and really increased the profile of Middleton in Bloom.

Judges also visited projects including Middleton Technology School’s farm and garden, Springvale Youth Centre, Rhodes Lodges, Memorial Gardens, Truffet Park, St Leonard's Church, Long Street Methodist Church, the ‘greening the grey’ on Long Street, Middleton Parish Forest School, and Jubilee Park which was recently awarded a Green Flag.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/111386/eight-parks-and-green-spaces-receive-green-flag-award

Plant donations were received from Stakehill Nurseries and local residents, in addition to cash donations from residents and businesses. Middleton Township also provided £2,000 funding to the youth service and the In Bloom team to assist the launch of the project.

Committee member Keeley O’Mara said: “The judges seemed very positive with what we have accomplished in the timescale available and we feel very confident for the 2018 competition. We’ll have more time and have learnt so much.

“We’re very optimistic for the future of Middleton in Bloom.”

North West in Bloom is the voluntary regional organisation that administers the Britain in Bloom competition in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, one of the 18 regions comprising Britain in Bloom.

Since 1964, the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom is one of the most effective, and longest running environmental competitions in the UK, with communities demonstrating their ability to create and maintain attractive environments that benefit all.

From the mill towns of Lancashire to the picturesque villages of both Cheshire and the Lancashire coast, every city, town, urban community and village is eligible to enter. The aim of the competition is to encourage the improvement of our surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. It also aims to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment.

The finals will again take place at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre in October.