Pennines in Bloom – judging day fast approaches!

Photo: Iain S Gerrard

The 'Katie Boat on Canal Street, Littleborough

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In anticipation of the annual visit by the RHS Judges of the North West In Bloom competition on the morning of 5 August, when they will be visiting key locations that are hoped to be in full bloom, Pennines in Bloom members have been busy working to improve the places where we work, rest and play with new features installed this year.

• New planting and hanging baskets around Wardle, Littleborough and Milnrow.
• Planted up boats in Littleborough and at Hollingworth Lake Visitors Centre.
• Floral carpet beds near The Wine Press and in Milnrow Memorial Park.
• New flowers planted at the Village Medical Centre in Littleborough.
• Landscaping work and new planting at Milnrow Shopping Precinct.
• Refreshed plants and baskets at Littleborough Fire Station.
• Planting at Wardle Community Centre and Littleborough Railway Station.

Along with the above locations other key visits to show off our heritage and environment will include Watergrove Reservoir, Hare Hill Park and House, Milnrow Wishing Tree and Library, Cedar Lane Allotments, Ellenroad Steam Museum, and Ladybarn Bowling Club. 

The work has been carried out by the voluntary efforts of the Pennines In Bloom group, the Friends of Hare Hill Park, Milnrow Memorial Park, Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough Railway Station, and ably supported by Rochdale Council’s Environmental Management Service and all their staff. Complemented this year by Wardle Volunteers and Civic Society, Littleborough Fire Station, MoorEnd Trust, Milnrow Library staff, Milnrow & District Horticultural Society, Ellenroad Trust, and Ladybarn Bowling Club. Funding has been provided by Pennines Township Fund and sponsors Fothergill & Harvey, Demetris, and Swift Security Products.

Ray Smith, Chairman of Pennines In Bloom, said: “I am proud of the hard work put in by our members and partners. We achieve a lot and make major improvements to our surroundings that wouldn’t happen otherwise. We reached Silver Gilt level last year, and we’re hoping for a good result again this year.”

Councillor Ann Stott commented: “I was pleased the Pennines Township Fund were able to support the group again this year; I see the high level of effort put in by the group, as with other voluntary groups, making substantial benefits for our community.

"Participating in North West In Bloom helps raise our profile in the wider area attracting new visitors, and helps focus resources to improve the area for us, the residents.”

An update will be given after the judges’ visit, with the final NWIB results announced at a special ceremony in Southport in October.