Rochdale in Bloom group to welcome judges to town

Rochdale in Bloom is officially going for gold once more as the community group prepares to welcome judges to town next week for the annual North West in Bloom Competition.

For the first time in the event’s history, judges will be spending a full seven days in Rochdale from Monday (25 July) for the judging.

The route will see judges visit Norden Jubilee Park, Caldershaw Green, the Edenfield Road Alley Gate Scheme, the RAFC Wonderwall, Castleton Railway Station, Castleton War Memorial, Springhill Hospice, Bilal Mosque, the Growth Project, Rochdale town centre and the World War One memorial garden.

For 2022, Rochdale in Bloom has once again partnered with Rochdale Borough Council Environmental management and local businesses including H Bell & Sons, as well as Richard Hagan, of Crystal Doors, and Angela Collinge, who runs Cutgate’s Amber Pets.

Over 60 entries across the categories this year include the first ‘Churches in Bloom’, Norden village having the chance to win its own gold again as it will be entered into the village category, plus the return of ‘Mosques in Bloom’ as part of the It’s Your Neighbourhood contest, Denehurst Park, Norden in Bloom, Lock 50 Canal and RT, Balderstone Park and Healey Dell tea rooms.

 

 

This year’s theme is ‘community’, a nod to its roots as 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 Royal Horticultural Society, promotes 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.

Finalists from the North West in Bloom competition get entered into the RHS’ Britain in Bloom, which is the UK’s longest running gardening competition.

Rochdale was entered into Britain in Bloom for the first time in 2018 and won a gold medal.

 

Read more: Rochdale in Bloom scoops prestigious gold at national RHS Britain in Bloom awardsPublished: 20 October 2018
National judging day as Rochdale represents North West in Britain in BloomPublished: 09 August 2018

 

The town has once again been put forward to represent the North West nationally, after it won gold in the ‘small city’ category in 2021, its fifth consecutive gold in the category.

 

Read more: Rochdale in Bloom reaches prestigious Britain in Bloom nationals for a second timePublished: 11 February 2022

 

Rochdale will welcome Britain in Bloom judges on Friday 5 August.