Rochdale in Bloom honoured by the late Queen Elizabeth with a Jubilee tree

Photo: Rochdale Online

Roy Down, Chairman of Rochdale in Bloom

Rochdale in Bloom, one of Greater Manchester's leading community organisations, is celebrating after being chosen by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester to receive a tree from the 'Tree of Trees'.

The 'Tree of Trees' was a spectacular 21-metre sculpture, erected outside Buckingham Palace during her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The sculpture was created by Thomas Heatherwick and constructed out of 350 British native trees in aluminium pots embossed with the Queen's Cypher.

The trees and pots are now being gifted to selected community groups and organisations up and down the country in celebration and recognition of the work they do. Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenants were asked to nominate organisations and groups they believed made a positive and measurable impact in their communities.

In Greater Manchester, Rochdale in Bloom has been chosen as one of 12 groups in recognition of the work that they do and the value they bring to their communities.

Roy Down, Chairman of Rochdale in Bloom, was blown away by the news this morning; he said: "Being awarded one of the Queen's Green Canopy trees is an amazing honour for our group. To be recognised like this makes it clear that the thousands of volunteer hours by hundreds of volunteers are worthwhile and valued by our communities.

"We will share this fantastic award with our partners at Rochdale Council’s Environmental Management team and the thousands of unsung volunteers across the borough who dedicate their time to making Rochdale a better place."

He added: "Billy [Sheerin, local councillor and Rochdale In Bloom member] was keen on mentioning his Jubilee Beacon in Castleton, that's what tipped the balance in getting it."
 

Read more: Castleton beacon lit for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrationsPublished: 05 June 2022

A presentation day will take place at Bolton Stadium Hotel on 14 October where representatives of Rochdale in Bloom will receive the tree. The team will then work with the council to find a suitable site to plant the tree that allows the whole borough to enjoy it.