North West In Bloom: Heywood In Bloom retains gold for 7th year and named best town

Date published: 20 October 2023

The hard work of volunteers across Heywood has paid dividends after Heywood In Bloom retained gold for the seventh time in a row in this year’s RHS’ North West In Bloom competition - with Heywood being named best town overall.

Heywood collected a gold medal for the ‘town centre’ category, with the group once again taking gold for ‘large town’ and the Friends of Queen’s Park taking home the gold ‘large park’ accolade at the awards ceremony on Thursday (19 October).

Heywood was then also named 'best town centre' overall, receiving a silver trophy for the prestigious honour.

Gold awards were also presented to: Hopwood Park in the 'small park' category; Heywood Distribution Park in the 'large retail/commercial/industrial park' category; and Face Medical Clinic won a silver gilt award in the 'small retail/commercial/industrial park' category.

Heywood In Bloom chair, Ellen Yates, was also honoured with an award for 2023 outstanding contribution.

Ellen and her fellow Heywood In Bloom members David Yates, Geoffrey Sweeney, Richard Slater and Yvonne Mills all collected the awards.

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 first awards on Tuesday (17 October) – the community-led It’s Your Neighbourhood accolades – saw nine awards presented to the group, ranging from Level 3 Advancing to the maximum Level 5 Outstanding.

This day was attended by David and Ellen Yates, and Geoffrey Sweeney. The venue was full of excitement and anticipation with In Bloom members from across the North West hoping to be awarded high marks

Both the Heywood in Bloom Community Allotment and Heywood Railway Station retained their top Level 5 Outstanding awards, whilst two Level 4 Thriving awards were presented for Heywood Fire Station and the Cherwell Centre.

Roe Acre Court Sheltered Accommodation, the Harwood Park Primary School allotment and Bridgewood Lodge were each awarded Level 3 Advancing.

St Luke's CE Primary School was presented with the 2023 RHS outstanding award for involving children and young people, and the Heywood In Bloom Community Allotment was presented with the 2023 RHS Award for Growing Communities.

Ellen said: "Thanks go out to all those involved in this year’s entries including council employees, volunteers, Argos/Wincanton volunteers, schools and businesses."