COLOURFUL planters, wildflowers and stunning floral displays have earned Northwich the illusive ‘Gold’ title at the North West in Bloom awards.
In its fourth year of entering the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) competition, Northwich achieved ‘Gold’, as well as joint first in the large town category.
To top off its best awards yet, the town also received special recognition for ‘Best Art in the Community’ and Cheshire Food Hub achieved a level five ‘Outstanding’ for its community garden.
The Northwich in Bloom submission is led by Northwich Business Improvement District (BID), with significant support from Northwich Town Council, as well as Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Stephanie Leese from Northwich BID said: “Each year we enter In Bloom with the hope of getting the ultimate recognition for the work that is put in across Northwich, not only by partners, but also the vast amount of community organisations who support the entry.
“These awards showcase how Northwich is a destination like no other and I’m so proud of everyone involved in making it happen.”
Northwich In Bloom has more than 30 groups working on projects across the town, all of which come together to help create the Northwich portfolio, which is used as part of the judging.
Northwich Town Mayor, Cllr Graham Emmett, said: “This is just another tick in the box for how great Northwich is, another reason to be proud of our town and another reason to be thankful for the amazing community spirit we’re surrounded by.
“It’s important to pay thanks to all those who supported this year’s submission and a special thanks to those who kept the towns floral displays looking perfect throughout the hot summer period.”
During the award ceremony, Northwich received the ‘Best Art in the Community’ award, with the chair of RHS North West in Bloom, Bernard Pendleton, commenting on the various crochet flowers and postbox toppers showing real community involvement.
The crochet art that has been placed across the town is from several community groups, with trailing flowers created by St Helen’s Knit and Natter, Mid Cheshire Craft and Chat and customers from Crafty Stitches.
Various postbox toppers and Pina Colada Festival-themed bollard covers gave the town a tropical feel this summer, created by Toppers of Northwich.
Cheshire Food Hub were also recognised, with its community garden seen as an ‘inspirational example’ during the judging visit.
Bob and Jill Worrell from the project were at the awards ceremony, along with Rachel Waterman who manages Cheshire Food Hub.
Rachel said: “The food hub volunteers worked so hard on producing and maintaining a fantastic garden.
“The garden only used recycled and donated materials so it’s green as well as being green!
“So many customers have commented on how brilliant the gardens are and how much they make them smile. The team should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”
If you’re interested in getting involved with Northwich In Bloom email stephanie.leese@groundwork.org.uk.
Volunteers who would like to support the planting in the town centre in 2023, can register with One Northwich by visiting northwich.org.uk/.
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