Middleton In Bloom retains gold at North West awards

Date published: 21 October 2022

Middleton In Bloom has retained its gold accolade at this year’s RHS North West in Bloom awards.

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

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.

The accolades were presented on Thursday (20 October), whilst the It’s Your Neighbourhood awards were presented on Tuesday (18 October).

Five level five Outstandings were received by the Friends of Alkrington Woods, Hope Community Garden, the Hopwood Hall Estate garden project, St Michael’s Garden Gang and The Croft community garden society.

Three Rochdale Boroughwide Housing schemes – Tonge Court, Clough Court and Alkrington Court, scored level 4 Thriving alongside the Status 4 All Leisure Garden and Allotments, and the Furness Road Garden.

Alkrington & Providence United Reformed Church, Bowlee Community Organisation, Gladewood Community Orchard and Middleton Technology School all received a level 3 Advancing, and St Leonard’s Church was given a level 2 Improving.

St Michael’s Garden Gang also received a judges’ discretionary award for all the work they do with young people, and St John’s Thornham PFTA received a schools’ award.

Keeley O’Mara, secretary and coordinator of Middleton in Bloom, said the group was “absolutely chuffed to bits” to retain gold.

She added: “Thanks to the council’s environmental management team, Middleton Township, all the local businesses that have supported us.

“A special thanks to GeViews Planters Street Furniture for working with us to achieve the tiered planters and our sponsor, Storage World Self Storage & Workspace.”