Wilmslow has secured the honour of representing the North West in next year's national In Bloom finals together with a fifth gold medal and two additional trophies.
At an awards ceremony on Friday, 2nd November, Wilmslow was awarded the Pride of East Cheshire and as the Best Large Town in the North West trophies. In addition, the RHS judged the town the Community Champion of the area.
Ruth McNulty, Chair of Wilmslow In Bloom said "I am very pleased and proud that the judges have given us the accolade – and the responsibility – of representing the north west in next year's national finals. 2018 was not without its challenges but many people gave willingly of their time and expertise to help keep planting fresh. Very many thanks to everyone who contributed."
During the awards ceremony the previous day, volunteer groups in the town received no fewer than 7 awards in the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' category.
The Gardening Club at the United Reformed Church were accredited with a 'Thriving' award for their activities around the church and they impressed the judges with their innovative use of hanging baskets made from plastic milk containers.
All the town's other six entrants were judged 'Outstanding' – equivalent to a Gold award.
Chapel Lane Business Group have made a significant difference to their community by a collective effort from both businesses and residents who have used attractive planting to add colour and to tidy and clear unwanted weeds and overgrowth.
Friends of the Carrs have worked innovatively to help stabilise the banks of the Bollin and to introduce more pollinating plants whilst Incredible Edible has helped ensure that previously drab beds have blossomed. Additionally, their work around the Leisure Centre has become a talking point where tomato crops were harvested, in previously vandalised beds, made into chutney and sold to raise funds for the support of the clients at the Lifestyle Centre, who had worked during the summer to irrigate the parched beds.
The work done to preserve the character of Lindow Common was also recognised as was the commitment of the Rotary Club in Dean Row in planting and maintaining the rose beds in the Memorial Gardens. Lastly, the orchard and vegetable beds, planted and maintained by volunteers from Transition Wilmslow have again impressed the judges.
The Brewhouse again won a gold, bringing the total tally of awards and trophies to twelve for the town.
It was also a hugely successful year for Alderley Edge who picked up their first gold award in the small town category.
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There are so many individuals and groups involved, it is a credit to the town. Well done to everyone who won an award- I look forward to the plans for us to be better than ever next year!