Rochdale In Bloom: overall category winner of Large Town/Small City at RHS North West in Bloom awards

Date published: 01 November 2019

Rochdale In Bloom’s entry in the RHS North West in Bloom 2019 regional competition was named as the category winner after achieving a gold for the Large Town/Small City category, the highest individual award available.

The accolade is the culmination of a year of work which has been undertaken by many local people, groups and projects from right across Rochdale with the support of Rochdale Council and the Environmental Management team.

RHS judges visited Rochdale borough in July and were impressed with the stunning displays across the town.

Other award winners

• Gold for Zen Internet (commercial category)
• Gold for The Flying Horse Hotel (small accommodation)
• Gold for Best Town Centre
• Gold for Norden Jubilee Park (RHS Park Award)
• Silver Gilt for Denehurst Park (RHS Park Award)
• Silver for Kirkholt (Urban Community)
• Bronze for Toad Lane Conservation Area (small tourist attraction)
• Outstanding for Springhill Hospice (Best Hospice Grounds)
• North West in Bloom school award – St Edward’s CofE Primary School, Castleton
• Health and Well Being award – Rachael Bennion, Petrus Community
• Young Bloomer of the Year – Sarah Down
• Young Champion – Sarah Down

Mayor Billy Sheerin said: “This has been a very special day for us all. We’ve been striving for years to be the category winner, but we’ve always been second best.

“This year we have surpassed everyone, and I’m delighted for the township and all our supporters. It’s a massive team effort which cannot be won alone.”

Roy Down, chairman of Rochdale In Bloom, said: “I’m on cloud nine; this is the best possible outcome for us.

“I can’t put into words how utterly thrilled I am.”

Paul Ellison, vice-chairman of Rochdale In Bloom, added: “A massive thank you goes out to all our sponsors, including the Co-op, H Bell and Sons, Rochdale Training and Rochdale Online.

“A very special thank you goes to our partner, Rochdale Borough Council, whose Environmental Management team do so much in the town centre and on the route. They keep everything looking so wonderfully tidy and inviting with the planters and their displays.

“We must also thank Rochdale Township, for their funding of certain community groups.”

Rochdale In Bloom is a volunteer-led organisation consisting of various parties including Friends’ of groups, local businesses, local residents and volunteers.

North West in Bloom, run by the RHS, has been celebrating the success of communities since 1964 and aims to encourage local communities to improve and care for their local environment. They promote imaginative planting schemes, landscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and clean-up projects for litter and graffiti.

Judges award points based on three main criteria: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.