Bury blooms the best in Britain

Date published: 06 October 2011

Bury did the North West proud at this year’s national RHS Britain in Bloom finals when the town was presented with a silver-gilt award.

Also awarded to Bury was the RHS Floral Award for the best and most imaginative displays in the UK.

Bury Council is praising local residents, schools, businesses and community groups for getting behind this year’s campaign and for helping to clinch such a fantastic outcome.

Bury competed in the national finals alongside 76 communities from across the length and breadth of the UK.

Councillor Jane Lewis, executive member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “This is a wonderful result for Bury. To the workforce and to all our “in bloom” volunteers and participants, I’d like to say a really big “thank you”. I’d like to acknowledge too the important contribution made by local businesses whose generous sponsorship has benefitted our town. This year the community really came together to support Bury in bloom and help retain the high standard of horticultural displays that people have come to expect.

“Everyone’s enthusiastic involvement is to be applauded and I wish to congratulate all concerned along with Tottington and Bury West Rotary Club who deserve a special mention for their kind offer of funding the entry fees.”

On visiting Bury, Britain in Bloom judges commented on and were particularly impressed by the:

• innovative, high quality floral displays, baskets and planters;
• level of sponsorship and support provided by local businesses;
• replacement of traditional bedding displays with lower cost sustainable planting schemes; 
• waterwheel feature display sponsored and planted out by Summerseat Garden Centre; 
• themed displays at Gallipoli Garden which were considered a real gem and a credit to the maintenance team; 
• efforts made by the public houses in Market Place; 
• participation of Guardian Angels’ “Woodies”; 
• involvement of “friends” groups in looking after their parks and open spaces; 
• impressive work carried out by Bury Ranger Service and volunteer rangers at Burrs Country Park

Bury also entered North West in Bloom, as did Radcliffe in a separate category. The outcome of the regional finals will be announced on Thursday 20 October.

Bury has won North West in Bloom for 7 years in a row. In 2010 Radcliffe achieved a silver medal in its first year of entry since 2002.