It was an “outstandingly beautiful” scene at Congleton Park, as North West In Bloom judges arrived to rate this year’s “tremendous hard work” by the town’s green-fingered volunteers.
The sun was shining as chair Bernard Pendleton, along with fellow judge Mel Kirby, entered the park after sitting down for lunch with 35 members of the community, from 14 different organisations who had worked towards this year’s competition entry.
The group hoped to achieve “gold status” for the 17th consecutive year in the best large town category, as part of the Royal Horticultural Society competition.
North West in Bloom is the regional organisation that administers the RHS Britain in Bloom competition, covering Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. It is one of the 18 regions and nations that comprise Britain in Bloom.
As well as its gold status, Congleton earned a special recognition award during last year’s event – “Pride of Cheshire East” for “outstanding commitment and dedication”.
Speaking in the park on Wednesday, just before setting off to show the judges around the town, Congleton’s In Bloom chair, Coun David Brown, said he would be “bitterly disappointed” if the town did not win gold again this year.
He said: “I think this is the best I’ve seen the park in all the years that I’ve been involved. You won’t find one dead plant in any of our planters – I know because I’ve been around and checked them all this morning!”
After hearing the judge’s speech during lunch with community members, including Congleton mayor Coun Kay Wesley and MP Sarah Russell, Coun Brown said they seemed to be impressed with the way the community had pulled together.
He said: “They have made some very positive comments about two or three of our neighbourhood sites, which is not usual.”
The competition encourages smaller community projects to enter as part of the “It’s Your Neighbourhood (IYN)” scheme. Last year, 12 neighbourhood groups were awarded nine level five (outstanding) awards, two level fours (equivalent to silver gilt) and one level three (equivalent to silver).
Coun Brown said the judges commented on two neighbourhood areas that had been entered into this year’s competition for the first time – at the entrance to New Life Church on West Road and a new biodiversity site off Sterling Way, behind the Orange Tree restaurant.
He said: “New Life Church is one of the jewels in the crown. It’s a big asset. Sterling Way is an area that’s been cut down and made accessible. Twenty fruit trees have been planted, new signs have been put up and we’re going to get some seating sorted out for next year.
“The judges said it was fantastic and that it was great initiative.”
Speaking to the “Chronicle” before being taken for a tour around the park, Mr Pendleton said: “It’s a beautiful day and we’ve had a fantastic time. The weather has shone, the blooms have bloomed and Congleton is looking blooming fantastic!
“We’ve met some fantastic people and they are doing some great things to make your community look cleaner and greener.”
When asked if the wetter and colder weather this year had impacted the competition, he said: “It has certainly had an impact across the North West, but not on the community spirit. Bloomers bloom on no matter what the weather is, throughout the whole of the year and make a massive difference.
“The quality of blooms might not be as good as they should be – although here in the park I can’t see a real difference.”
Mr Kirby was quick to add that the competition would be judged the same regardless of the weather.
Mr Pendleton said: “We’re not judging the sun or the rain, it’s about their tremendous efforts and hard work. The community here epitomises what In Bloom is about.”
Mrs Russell said: “I want to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers and all the town council staff who’ve clearly put in thousands of hours between them into making our community the most outstandingly beautiful place.
“It’s just stunning and I was really impressed by the involvement of so many different community groups from nurseries to old people’s homes. The diversity of groups that have been involved is just amazing.”
The results of the regional In Bloom competition will be revealed during an awards ceremony on Friday, 1st November. The venue is yet to be announced.
