Rochdale Prepares for Township in Bloom 2011

Rochdale Township in Bloom 2010

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Residents and businesses from across Rochdale are getting together to take part in this year’s ‘North West in Bloom’ competition. The winner of the competition, in which Rochdale Township will compete against other entrants including its neighbouring Townships of Heywood and Pennines, will win the right to represent the Borough in the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Britain in Bloom’ competition.

The competition’s judges, who are expected to visit Rochdale Township on Monday 11 July, seek out community-led and sustainable green projects, which may include planting projects, maintenance of green areas, or community projects that represent the pride that local people have in Rochdale. The Council, though involved, have encouraged local community groups to take the lead on organising the Townships entry and as the judging date nears work is picking up pace to be ready in time.

The competition judges will take a two and a half hour tour of the Township, following a route which the Rochdale Township in Bloom Steering Group have chosen to highlight local beauty spots such as Broadfield and Springfield Park, projects by Matthew Moss and St. Edwards Schools and community led initiatives in Castleton, Spotland and Norden Village.

Steering Group Chairman, Nigel Morrell had this to say: “We have tried our very best to include as much as possible on this year’s route, but inevitability there are many aspects of the Township that we will not be able to visit. As part of the bid we also have to produce a printed portfolio and storyboards, and we want to use these to really show off the areas that we will not be able to get to on the day. We know that there are a great many green-fingered Rochdalians out there; we have had a fantastic response from local people but are still searching for more.”

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to showcase their own achievements, from well-groomed gardens and shop frontages to blooming allotments or alley gate schemes. A photo and a brief description about what you have done to make your corner of Rochdale bloom is all that is required. The Steering Group would also be very pleased to hear from anyone who could offer their time or expertise to help clean up areas or assist with planting projects.

Nigel added: “Last year we were so close, gaining a ‘North West in Bloom’ silver award in the Best Large Town /Small City Category. This year we have had a lot more involvement from local groups and we stand a really good chance of improving on last year’s result. We are confident in our efforts and hope that many local people will join with us to make this year’s bid the best yet.”

For more information about this year’s competition, to volunteer time or show their own achievements, people can:

Visit our website which has been created especially for the competition by Rochdale Online at: www.rochdaleinbloom.co.uk  

Join the facebook group at www.facebook.com/rochdaleinbloom

Contact organisers by emailing info@rochdaleinbloom.co.uk