Going For Gold!
Judges visited Chipping recently, which is going for gold in the Britain in Bloom regional finals and the village has also made it to the national finals
The historic village of Chipping, nestled at the edge of the Bowland fells, is ‘going for gold’ for the fourth year running in the prestigious North West in Bloom Competition. As one of the most successful places in the ‘village’ category, it has also made the national finals this year.
Judging took place for North West in Bloom in mid-July, and the Chipping in Bloom Group also welcomed its second round of judges, this time for the national competition earlier this month.
Chipping in Bloom Chair, Helen Lear, explains: “Our community is very proud that the village is kept looking so lovely. A good percentage of the population get involved and Bloom is a huge part of village life.”
This year is the 60th anniversary of RHS Britain in Bloom, the UK’s biggest community gardening competition. The Chipping group held an Open Gardens Weekend in June to celebrate and adopted the theme of ‘friendship’ for planting this year. The group was also pleased to have an article published by the RHS on the UN International Day of Friendship.
Helen adds: “What a special year to have been invited to take part in the national finals. We want to say thank-you to everyone who supports us and makes the village look and feel great for people who live, work and visit here.”
In her presentation to the national judges, Helen provided a glimpse into a year in the life of Chipping in Bloom, and explained how you will see its volunteers out and about weeding, watering and refreshing the planted areas throughout the year.
“We also had a hugely successful community ‘Big Help Out’ with around 60 people tidying the village. Chipping in Bloom has a great relationship with our two village schools, Brabins Endowed and St Mary’s RC Primary, and both were actively involved in seed collection and sowing, tending their grounds and growing fruit and vegetables.
“All local businesses, churches, cafes, shops and the Parish Council also get involved in one way or another. We are highly unusual in that we only have our own fundraising to finance our work within the village. The generosity of people and other groups in our community never ceases to amaze me.”
Helen concludes: “You feel a great sense of achievement to think, ‘I helped to create this’ knowing that future generations can enjoy Chipping for years to come. We hope to know the results from the judging in October. Fingers crossed we win gold!”
