North West In Bloom: Gold for Norden In Bloom for fourth year running at RHS awards

Green-fingered volunteers and communities are celebrating after retaining gold in the RHS’ North West In Bloom competition. Today, Thursday (31 October), Norden In Bloom achieved gold for the fourth year running at the prestigious awards.

The win follows a clean sweep of top marks in the community-led It’s Your Neighbourhood accolades on Tuesday (29 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 Town category, the judges was taken on a tour of Norden, including Ashworth Valley and St James Church, Taylor Park, the Bowling Club, and Moss Row Woodlands, which all received top marks earlier this week. 

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.
 

Read more: Rochdale Town Centre wins gold at national Britain in Bloom awardsPublished: 26 October 2024

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.

 

 

Also Norden In Bloom volunteer, Christine McHugh received a special recognition, winning the "Outstanding Contribution" award

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 and also regaining gold for the fourth year, is truly a remarkable achievement.

“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.”

 

 

Phil Starr 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.”
 

Read more: North West In Bloom: Gold for third year running as Norden named 'best large village'Published: 19 October 2023

Christine McHugh, said: “We are delighted Norden In Bloom has won gold in todays north west In Bloom awards.

“As a local resident 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.