North West In Bloom: Gold for third year running as Norden named 'best large village'

Date published: 19 October 2023

The efforts of Norden volunteers and communities have paid off after retaining gold in the RHS’ North West In Bloom competition and being named the 'best large village'.

Today, Thursday (19 October), the village achieved gold for the third year running at the prestigious awards.

The category win follows a clean sweep of top marks in the community-led It’s Your Neighbourhood accolades on Tuesday (17 October), which is also part of the North West In Bloom awards.

The regional North West In Bloom competition consists of two judging days in the summer ahead of an autumn awards ceremony.

The first day is a guided tour taking in areas of interest around Norden; the second allows for visits to community-based projects that include local schools, allotments, health and well-being projects and conservation areas.

Entering in the best large village category, the judge was taken on a tour of Norden, including Ashworth Valley and St James Church, Taylor Park, the Bowling Club, and Moss Row Allotments, which all received top marks earlier this week. 
 

Read more: Clean sweep of Level 5 Outstanding awards for Norden In BloomPublished: 17 October 2023

After visiting the ever-popular Jubilee Park – which won yet another gold in the pocket park category, the day finished off with a visit to Birtle Brook Village and Pavilion Bistro.

Birtle Brook Village and the Pavilion each received gold and won the accolade of best in their respective categories, large accommodation and small retail/commercial/industrial park.

Paul Ellison, chairman of Norden in Bloom, was delighted with the results.

He said: “This is fantastic for the community and our volunteers. Norden has once again pulled it out of the bag but also gone one step further to win the category for best village.

“None of this would be possible without the outstanding liaison we have with Rochdale Council’s Environmental Management Team who support us and enable our community volunteer groups to be the best they can be.”

Ward councillor Jim Gartside said: “Norden has done remarkably well. The work our volunteers have put in has worked very well indeed.

“We’ve won several gold medals and I’m just delighted for Norden and all those who’ve helped so very much.”

Michael Scott, of sponsors H Bell and Sons, said: “We are delighted Norden In Bloom has won best large village in the north west and gold at today’s In Bloom awards.

“As a local business and sponsor this is an amazing result for the community. Well done to all the group and volunteers.”

Norden In Bloom is sponsored by H Bell and Sons, Amber Pets, Norden Co-op and Admiral Labels and Print, and is supported by Rochdale Borough Council’s Environmental Management, local businesses and volunteers.