Middleton in Bloom wins gold in ‘small city’ category

Date published: 16 November 2021

Middleton in Bloom has brought back gold in this year’s North West in Bloom competition.

Middleton was awarded a gold medal in the ‘small city’ category, as well as taking gold for the town centre and gold in the ‘small park’ category for Jubilee Park and the Old Cemetery.

The accolades were presented at an awards evening hosted by Michelle Eagleton at Alkrington Community Centre on Saturday 13 November.

Keeley O’Mara, secretary and coordinator of Middleton in Bloom, said: “To finally get our results and bring back the gold medal in the Small City category to Middleton was amazing.

“We are so proud of our little town and all its amazing community groups. It gave us so much pleasure to see the community slowly coming back to life and slowly lockdown restrictions easing.

“We would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us through such an unprecedented year, which gave us all our unique challenges. The community spirit has united volunteer groups, businesses, residents and the council’s environmental management department to unite as one team - Middleton in Bloom. We are going to keep doing what we do best - working in the community, making Middleton a place for all.”

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

Hope Community Garden, Alkrington retained its maximum Level 5 Outstanding, which was the same result received by the St Michael’s Garden Gang, now in their second year of entry.

Both new entries - Gladewood Community Orchard and Bowlee Community Association – received a Level 2 Improving, setting them in good stead for the future Middleton in Bloom entries.

A number of certificates were also presented, included a tongue-in-cheek award - Absent from Judging Day 2021 – for the “very committed and hardworking” Rochdale Borough Council In Bloom officer, Michael Buczman, who was on annual leave for this year’s judging.

Certificates were also given to each group involved in participating in this year’s competition, acknowledging their commitment after a tough year.

Other certificates awarded on the night included:

• Middleton Township for continued support and funding, presented to Councillor June West
• RBC Environmental Management dept for all their hard work in Middleton, presented to Ian Trickett
• RBH Environmental Management grounds team for their hard work keeping Middleton tidy all year-round
• Cemetery staff for their work in Boarshaw Cemetery
• Promising Young Gardener 2021, Kieran Lyons, Bowlee Community Organisation
• Young Gardener of the Year 2021, Luke Melvin, St Michael’s Garden Gang
• Environmental Encyclopaedia Award 2021 to Mike Cummings for his time given to Middleton’s green spaces and his love of ponds