Norden in Bloom welcomes North West In Bloom judges this week

Date published: 04 July 2023

North West In Bloom judges will be welcomed to Norden village and surrounding areas this Wednesday (5 July) for its third-year entry into the Royal Horticultural Society’s competition.

Norden was first entered into the contest as a standalone entry in 2021, where it won both ‘best newcomer’ and gold in the large village category.

The In Bloom group's second attempt last year, amazingly saw them regain gold with top marks, plus a clean sweep of top marks, including gold at Birtle Brook Garden Village and Jubilee Park whilst all the community entries to the It’s Your Neighbourhood category scored the maximum Level 5 Outstanding.

Judges will be taken on a colourful route around Ashworth Valley, St James’ Chapel, Taylor Park, Norden Rockery, the Norden War Memorial, the village, Norden Bowling Club, Moss Row Community Allotments, Moss Row Woodland, the award-winning Norden Jubilee Park, Birtle Brook Garden Village and the Pavillion restaurant.

Improvements have been made throughout the entire route as each site has either been improved or had a new addition in anticipation of the big day.

Team Norden member and volunteer Phil Starr said: “Going for gold in North West In Bloom is much more than about having the nice flowers in parks and borders, it recognises how the community, business, public bodies and people of all ages work together throughout the year to make Norden a place to be proud of and enjoy.  

“Each year we see more people contributing to its success in whatever way they can and this year we hope to see another successful gold.”

Paul Ellison, of Team Norden, which runs Norden in Bloom, added: “We’ve had a mammoth few days of community volunteering ahead of this year’s big judging day, and we’ve made some big improvements to the whole route.

“We’ve worked hard all year round and had plenty of new volunteers join us in this big community effort. Thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors and partners who have made this possible; a special thanks goes to H Bell and Sons, Pinnacle Living, Admiral Labels and Print, and environmental management at Rochdale Borough Council.”

Louise Scott, of sponsor H Bell and Sons, said: “Once again, we are thrilled to be supporting Norden in Bloom in their efforts of making the local area a beautiful and brighter place for people to live.

“We engage with and support the community groups which all work so hard so we can see the excellent benefits and awards which are achieved.”

Team Norden is made up of Paul Ellison, Christine McHugh, Phil Starr, Sian Hegarty, Kathryn Bentley, Deborah Jayne, Emma Metcalfe, Andrew Dunham, ward councillor Jim Gartside, Louise Scott and Michael Scott.