The North West In Bloom judges visited Wilmslow today to see all the tremendous work volunteers have put into this year's entry, and they were suitably impressed.
Guided by Ruth McNulty, In Bloom Chair, and Helen Yates, of Incredible Edible Wilmslow and Wilmslow In Bloom Secretary, the judges visited Lindow Common to see all the conservation work undertaken throughout the year. They were then brought into the town centre to view the 82 businesses which had taken part, the Town Council planters, Incredible Edible beds and the school planters outside Barclays Bank.
They also met many of the businesses and volunteers along the way, including representatives from Clean Team Wilmslow who were out cleaning the judges route yesterday morning and evening, removing 27 bags of litter ahead of today's important visit.
Additionally the judges were shown the new sculptures that have been carved in Wilmslow and visited the station, where much work has been carried out this year. Their tour ended at the Carrs where they were introduced to the environmental and community work that has been carried out in the park.
Last year Wilmslow did brilliantly, winning a Gold award as well as the trophies for Most Improved Town and Biodiversity Award for the work the Rangers do alongside volunteers at Lindow Common.
Helen Yates said "We are hopeful that we can maintain the Gold Award from last year and our long term hope is to be the town selected to represent the North West in the Nationals.
"It has been a really positive morning and I felt very proud to show the judges around with Ruth and to meet with representatives from the many groups in Wilmslow who have together achieved so much for Wilmslow."
Ruth McNulty said "The contributions from local volunteer groups, schools, businesses and residents has been overwhelming this year. So many people have contributed to the appearance of not only the town centre but also much of the surrounding areas.
"Helen's enthusiastic plea to 'Weed your cracks' has become a memorable and effective slogan for this year's achievement and our thanks go out to all those businesses with shop fronts who had taken this message to heart. The judges were particularly impressed with the creativity of on street floral displays with the 'Up Cycling' theme together with the community planted flowers."
On thanking their hosts for their hospitality, judge Bernard Pendleton said "The town was immaculate, it was really nice. I live close by, I go through Wilmslow but it is the first time I have been here as a judge and it was really nice and well presented. I'll see some of you at the awards in October and thanks again."
The results will be announced during an all day event at Southport Convention Centre on 30th October where all the North West entrants who have been selected for an award will be invited to the ceremony to receive their awards.
