Rochdale in Bloom

Edenfield Road Alley Gate - Rochdale in Bloom judging day

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Following 12 months of planning and preparations, two Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) judges visited Rochdale to assess the Township as part of the North West in Bloom competition on Thursday (14 July).

The annual competition sees Rochdale compete alongside other areas throughout the North West, being judges on three categories; horticultural excellence, community involvement and environmental friendliness.

The tour began at 8:30am at Jubilee Park in Norden and ended at 5:30pm at Springhill Hospice. Along the way the judges were shown a number of planting, heritage and eco projects which were the work of numerous schools, community groups, businesses and local residents.

Judges were impressed with work from pupils at Caldershaw Primary School in Norden and St Edward’s CE Primary in Castleton, where children had demonstrated some exceptional efforts.

Gardens at Zen Internet and Springhill Hospice were highlights of the day, showcasing some of the best horticulture in the borough, while community projects including Q-Gardens on Queensway Moss Row Allotments and The Growth Project demonstrated how green initiatives are being used to bring communities in the Township together.

Rochdale's rich heritage was easy to demonstrate with a stop at St Mary’s in the Baum and the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, while a drive around the new Denehurst Cemetery site showed that even new developments are being created with consideration of our built heritage.

Recycling and eco projects featured prominently when the judges stopped off at the Roch Valley Way Woodland Educational Site, where they met up with local Councillors and school children who were taking part in an outdoor education session there.

A trip to the town centre took in the Memorial Gardens and Packer Spout, along with more formal planting.

The judges were also given a presentation about the re-opening of the River Roch which is happening in the town centre.

Other sites to feature included a tour around Springfield Park, Cutgate Bowling Club and an inspiring alley gate scheme on Edenfield Road.

Speaking after the visit, Rochdale Township in Bloom Chairman, Nigel Morrell said: “We certainly showed our judges, Bill and Russ, the very best aspects of the Township and I think they were impressed.

"It was wonderful that our Mayor and Mayoress were with us for so much of the day, I hope that they really enjoyed themselves.”

Committee member and Norden Councillor Peter Winkler said: “We have had a fantastic entry this year, the whole committee and all our supporters are due a huge vote of thanks for their efforts.

"I am certain that the judges were impressed on the day so we are hopeful of a good result when they are announced.”

The competition results will be known later in the year.