Ellesmere Port’s blooming marvellous results for volunteers

Ellesmere Port has received a set of impressive results in this year’s North West in Bloom competition.

Awards included a silver for the Ellesmere Port Town entry and a Royal Horticultural Society Certificate of Distinction special award for Trees of Climate, Ellesmere Port.

This year’s entries involved a number of groups and organisations from all across the town who came together, chaired by Joanna Pemberton, and supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The results were announced at an event held at Little Sutton Community Centre. Royal Horticultural Society and North West in Bloom judges, Bernard Pendleton and Neil Harvey presented the following awards:

• Ellesmere Port in Bloom /Large Town - Silver Award
• Stanford Street Allotments Sensory Garden - Level 2 Improving
• Friends of Wolverham Community Centre - Level 3 Advancing
• Friends of Elm Grove Community Park - Level 5 Outstanding
• Bridge Community Wellness Gardens - Level 5 Outstanding
• Trinity Methodist Church Ellesmere Port - Level 5 Outstanding
• Special Award - Trees for Climate Ellesmere Port - Royal Horticultural Society National Certificate of Distinction

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m delighted the Council was able to support this year’s entry into the North West in Bloom competition and would like to offer my heartfelt thanks and warmest congratulations to all the volunteers involved in improving their community, and bringing people together to make a positive change to the place they live, work or spend their leisure time.

 “The results are impressive and our Your Street officers were delighted to have contributed to the Certificate of Distinction for Trees for Climate.  Well done to everyone involved and thank you for the many hours of volunteering you put in to improve our communities.”

Joanna Pemberton, Chair of the group said: “As Chair of Ellesmere Port In Bloom 2021, I am humbled to be part of the amazing team effort.  I got quite emotional when giving our volunteer certificates of thanks out.

“After lockdowns and isolation, which still affects us being together, our results event was a momentous occasion.  Especially when you consider how much work the groups managed to undertake in adverse times. The In Your Neighbourhood groups all improved their marks from 2019.

“We are aiming for RHS Gold in 2022. Our work continues in partnership with Spacehive and the Council.  We are looking to fill a shortfall of £2,000 towards maintaining 29 ward planters and providing plants and tools and would love to hear ideas from anyone who wants to get involved.

“The organisations and volunteers are the glue of Ellesmere Port In Bloom success and community dedication.”

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

North West in Bloom judges visited the town during the summer to to meet representatives from the groups involved and judge the entries against RHS criteria.

Pictured - The Council's Your Streets officers, Garrett and Rob with NW in Bloom judge, Bernard.