North West ‘Britain In Bloom’ judges Mel Kirby and Sarah Hewitt visited a sun drenched Alderley Edge on Tuesday 24th July to assess the village’s third entry into the Britain in Bloom competition.
They were given an afternoon tour of the village that included viewing gardening projects at Alderley Edge Community Primary School, The Ryleys School and the Alderley Edge in Bloom Group allotment at Chorley Hall Lane before heading to the Hough to visit Peter Woollam’s enchanting organic ornamental kitchen garden.
From there they were taken up to The Edge visiting the historic Castle Rock and the Wizard’s Well before meeting National Trust representative Chris Widger and representatives from the Derbyshire Caving Club.
Finally they walked down a blooming London Road, decked out with bunting and brightened up with newly painted bollards.
The judges viewed a fantastic display of colourful planters and hanging baskets freshened by a welcome rain shower.
They then went on to the woodland by Waitrose with its eclectic ‘Bug Hotel’ built by local Scouts and Alderley Edge in Bloom volunteers.
The judges tour of the village was hosted by Leslie Cox, chair of Alderley Edge In Bloom, and the group’s secretary Christine Munro.
Along the way they met some of the volunteers who have given their time to beautify the village with regular litter picking and flower planting as well as vegetable growing to support the village luncheon club.
Parish councillors Craig Browne and Geoff Hall joined the judges and volunteers for afternoon tea and further discussions at The Botanist.
Leslie Cox commented: “The Judges gave mostly positive feedback during the tour with Mel Kirby describing Peter Woolham’s garden as the finest he had ever seen!
“The visit to the mining museum behind the Wizard was worthwhile, communicating valuable environmental information to the judges.”
Leslie added: “Perhaps the biggest compliment from the judges was Mel’s observation on how litter free Alderley Edge was on the day.
“All the long hours of regular litter picking had not gone unnoticed which is very pleasing to us.”
The judges asked questions about the local environment and interaction with youth groups.
Craig Browne fielded these questions with facts and figures on local recycling success and the emergence of the Youth Parish Council as a voice for youth and positive change in the village.
Some ideas have been sparked by the judges comments – with more substantial, memorable and welcoming signage to the village (perhaps with a floral feature) one area for discussion with Alderley Edge Parish Council.
The In Bloom group suggests maybe sponsors can be found for this project…?
Now the group will have to wait until November to discover what level of award they will receive for 2018.
Whatever the result, the groups efforts have been regular praised and respected by villagers, passers by and mentioned in the media.
The engagement with local shops and business’s has grown, with many taking greater responsibility for watering and plant maintenance.
Most importantly the group has welcomed in new volunteers and many new friendships and some firm associations have been generated.
The In Bloom group work continues with regular evening watering, the litter picking and planning the winter vegetable planting down at the allotment.
We’re sure most would agree the village is looking blooming splendid!
