Volunteers are pride of town as blooms scoop top awards
VOLUNTEERS have put the pride back into the Valley after scooping two prestigious Britain in Bloom awards.
Eight members of Rawtenstall-based group Civic Pride travelled to Southport for the Royal Horticultural Society ceremony on October 28.
And their dedication, inspiration and sheer hard graft was recognised as they landed the Best Newcomer award and the Silver Gilt medal in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ Urban Community sector awards.
Chairperson Chris Blomerley said it was no mean feat with 13 gardens to create, maintain and show off to their best.
He said: “The prestigious Royal Horticultural Society have acknowledged Civic Pride Rossendale’s volunteers with two separate awards.
“Out of well over 100 entries, only three other groups managed two awards.
“Civic Pride’s “Best Newcomer” award, together with the Silver Gilt medal for the overall standard across the town, is a marvellous achievement, especially considering that the majority of competitors were either wholly professional outfits or had at least some paid staff.
“Civic Pride Rossendale is entirely run by volunteers, local folk in their own time making our town a lovely place to be in. It’s a real privilege to be associated with such a dedicated and determined community organisation and I wish publicly to thank every single one of them.
“These awards are mainly for the many gardens which Civic Pride has resurrected and now maintains.
“But let’s not forget Civic Pride’s litter-picking crews, out there 365 days a year, who contribute massively to the area’s appearance.”