St John's Thornham pupils join Middleton in Bloom volunteers ahead of North West in Bloom judging

Date published: 05 July 2023

Children from St John’s Thornham school got stuck in to help Middleton in Bloom volunteers with a spot of gardening on Monday (3 July).

Middleton in Bloom was joined by volunteers from Rochdale in Bloom to spruce up the Reg Birch Community Garden in Slattocks, which forms part of the main Middleton in Bloom judging route.

The regional North West in Bloom competition by the Royal Horticultural Society consists of two judging days in the summer months, with judges visiting the town on 17 July.

They were joined by Rochdale in Bloom volunteers, as well as children and staff from the Thornham school.

Keeley O’Mara, secretary and coordinator of Middleton in Bloom, said: “It was a true community-oriented collaboration.

“It was really nice to see the weather didn’t dampen any of the children’s spirits; they just got stuck in.

“The landlord of The Hopwood Arms also brought drinks over for the children, which was so appreciated.”

She added: “We’re hoping the Reg Birch Community Garden could be an ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ entry in the future.”

The first day of judging 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.

Last year, Middleton was awarded gold for its floral features, which included additional gold accolades for the town centre and Jubilee Park and the Old Cemetery.

Eleven ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards were received in 2022, ranging from Level 2 Improving to Level 5 Outstanding, the maximum level.
 

Read more: Middleton In Bloom retains gold at North West awardsPublished: 21 October 2022