Bamford & Norden Dec/Jan 2022

The Bill Blackledge MBE
Chairman’s Award was presented
to him in recognition for his work in
the local community and Masjids in
Bloom.
Councillor Billy Sheerin and Imran Aslam also were awarded ‘outstanding contribution to
Northwest in Bloom.’
The Baum pub in Rochdale and Nutter’s restaurant won gold for the ‘small
accommodation’ award. Healey Dell Heritage Centre and Tea Rooms took the gold top
spot for ‘small tourist attraction’ and Norden’s Jubilee Park claimed gold in the best ‘pocket
park’ category again.
Norden in Bloom, which entered as a stand-alone village this year, captivated visiting
judges claiming a ‘best newcomer’ award and a gold medal for ‘large village,’ which can
only mean bigger things to come for 2022.
There were also awards for delightful displays and high levels of maintenance at
Denehurst Park, taking a silver gilt award in the ‘large park’ category. Kirkholt also took a
silver gilt in the ‘urban community’ award, and Stoney Hill community wildlife area took
the best ‘biodiversity award’.
Zen Internet took gold for ‘best small industrial park,’ and local resident Luca Higginson
won the ‘young bloomer of the year’ prize for his work on the Caldershaw wildflower
meadow.
Rochdale in Bloom chairman Roy Down said:
“Despite all the setbacks during the recent pandemic, our Rochdale in Bloom volunteers
have stepped up once again.
“The original plan for 2021, after all the recent restrictions, was to try and maintain our
standards. But the fantastic efforts by the volunteers and council staff mean we have
surpassed this and increased our gold medal haul of previous years.
“New initiatives like the Mosques in Bloom have really put our town on the map. I am so
proud of what we have achieved, and I work with an amazing group of people.”
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