Ellesmere Port hosts judges for North West in Bloom bid 2021

Ellesmere Port has hosted a visit from the judges for this year’s North West in Bloom competition.

It follows on from two previous highly successful entries into the prestigious horticultural competition.

It involves a number of groups and organisations from all across the town who have come together to work on another entry into the competition.  The group is chaired by Joanna Pemberton and is supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m delighted the Council is able to support this year’s entry into the North West in Bloom competition. We are pleased to support members of the community working together to make a positive change to the place they live, work or spend their leisure time.

“Well done to everyone involved and thank you for the many hours of volunteering you put in to improve our communities.  The results look wonderful.”

This year’s entry has the theme of "promoting and celebrating diversity 2021" and also includes some new partners Stamford Street Allotments, Atherton Road Garden, Westminster Allotments and Meadow Park.

Joanne Pemberton, Chair of the group added: “As Chair of Ellesmere Port In Bloom 2021, I am humbled to be part of the amazing team effort.  The community, volunteers and businesses have sought to work hard under exceptional difficult circumstances due to Covid-19 and numerous lockdowns.  After the Royal Horticultural Society cancelled last year's competition, adhering to Covid guidelines we continued to meet and support each other.

Without dedicated work from PALS (Positive Action for Little Sutton) guided by Steve Hewitt; Wolverham Community Centre led by Christine and Peter Brown; Bridge Wellness Gardens and Farm with Claire Johnson; community rangers with Tom Deva-Staples, Council officers from Localities and StreetCare and many others, we would not be here.”

Groups participating in the competition are asked to focus on its three key areas: Horticulture, Environment and Community.

North West in Bloom judges, John Bilsborough and Neil Harvey visited the town this month to meet representatives from the groups involved.  Judges assess their entry against the RHS criteria but they also provide constructive feedback and suggestions to help the group improve.  Results will be announced in October this year.

Pictured -  The judging in progress at the Little Sutton Community Centre.