Home grown gold

Rochdale Township in Bloom - Packer Spout

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Rochdale Township is celebrating after receiving a gold award in this year’s North West in Bloom competition.

Two years ago the Township was asked by Environmental Management to take the lead on future entries to the North West in Bloom competition to ensure members of the community were involved. Last year’s entry did involve some members of the community and Rochdale Township received a silver medal.

This year’s entry involved a community led steering group chaired by Nigel Morrell from Norden Area Forum and including Billy Sheerin from East Castleton Tenants and Residents, Jason Addy from the Spotland and Falinge Area Forum, Claire and Winnie Crichton-Allen the nominated schools liaison, Roy Down from Mathew Moss High School, Peter Winkler and Kath Sharp from the Norden Environmental and Economic Village Association, Neta Smart from Broadfield Park, Dave Logan from the Friends of Springfield Park and Tracy Hibbert, RMBC Environmental Management.

The group met fortnightly from January 2011 to plan the route and judging day. The judging route was carefully chosen to highlight areas of horticultural interest and significance. The judging day took place on 11 July.

The route started in Castleton and visited Springfield Park, Rochdale town centre, Crimble Wood, Spotland Bridge, Ings Lane play area, Cutgate road, Norden Bus Terminus, Moss Row Allotments before concluding at Norden Old Library.

The judges’ feedback was that they had really enjoyed the visit, they noted: “The last time we came to Rochdale we didn’t see anything but this time you have shown us everything”.

Steering Group Chariman, Nigel Morel, said: “This year’s bid has been the best to date.

“I don’t know what more we could have done and the result of all the hard work and effort has now been rewarded in the best possible way.

“Everyone involved should be really pleased with themselves.

“This has been something that the people of Rochdale Township can be really proud of.”

Dave Logan from the Friends of Springfield Park, added: "The Rochdale in Bloom success is down to a modest, dedicated committee who have worked tirelessly along with Tracey Knight, from Rochdale Township office, with support and input from local councillors, council officers, community groups and residents.

“The Friends of Springfield Park have worked, and continue to work, very hard to improve as many aspects of the park as possible and we were very happy and excited to have been an important feature on this year's route and we are all extremely proud to have seen the park's contribution towards Rochdale in Bloom winning a Gold Medal.”

St Edward’s School in Castleton was the winner in the ‘Outstanding’ Schools category and several other schools and students were awarded local prizes for their work to design posters and flags for the competition.

The steering group also recognised local businesses for their contributions. First prize went to the Ship Inn in Castleton with prizes also going to The Salon and the Bridge Chippy in Norden for their efforts.

The gold award certificate will be on display at the Norden Old Library, for the next few weeks before moving to other areas of the Township for display.