Green-fingered volunteers from Calverley in Bloom have won Silver Gilt in RHS Yorkshire in Bloom Competition.
The team look after 16 barrier baskets, tubs and several beds for pollinators in Victoria Park.
The award comes as the In Bloom group marks 25 years of planting.
Judges visited Calverley during the summer and were impressed with the ‘well maintained’ allotments run by Calverley Horticultural Society.
They added: “Victoria Park is a well used and loved area providing excellent facilities such as cricket, tennis, bowls, football and a playground. Calverley Parkside School use it as their playing fields. The hedgehog garden is a marvellous project and used by the school children. The guttering on the fence is a great way of collecting water.
“The children created some great posters for 25th anniversary perhaps next year they could create posters to encourage more volunteers which could be placed around the village perhaps in the shops and cafes.”
Judges also lauded the ‘sympathetic restoration’ of Grade 1 listed Calverley Old Hall by the Landmark Trust.
Their comments were welcomed by Councillor Andrew Carter, who is chair of Calverley in Bloom. He said: “We are delighted to have won this award, particularly as it was our 25th anniversary.
“I want to particularly thank our small band of helpers – and also Michael from the Parks Department, who looks after Calverley Victoria Park. His help has been invaluable.
“The Judges particularly mentioned the support we got in the park, and that all the businesses on the route have provided floral displays, particularly mentioning yet again the Little Coffee House, where the display was stunning.
“Many thanks to the young people at Calverley Parkside School for the posters they created and gave to the judges for the 25th anniversary. Next year it will be Calverley Church of England School’s turn to provide posters.
“The positive comments from the judges meant a great deal to our handful of volunteers.
We particularly wanted to win an award this year, as it is 25 years since Calverley in Bloom
began, thanks to then councillor and former Lord Mayor of Leeds, the late Frank Robinson.
We always need volunteers and they are welcome to contact me.
“We are already planning for next summer, taking on board the judge’s constructive
feedback.”
Yorkshire in Bloom is a voluntary regional organisation that administers the RHS Britain in Bloom Campaign.
Sponsored content
