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Chipping is ‘best village in North West’ at Britain in Bloom awards

Posted on - 25th October, 2024 - 9:00am | Author - | Posted in - Longridge, People, Preston News, Ribble Valley News, Wildlife and Conservation
Chipping’s gold award was a testament to its community spirit, organisers said. Pic: Chipping in Bloom.

Members of Chipping in Bloom are celebrating after the village was a gold award winner for the North West at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom Awards.

Judging took place for the award back in August and the volunteers from community group Chipping in Bloom, which works hard to keep the village looking pristine, were over the moon with the result.

Chipping in Bloom chair, Helen Lear, said: “Our community is very proud that the village is kept looking so lovely. A good percentage of the population get involved and Chipping in Bloom is a huge part of village life.”

This year was the 60th anniversary year of RHS Britain in Bloom, the UK’s biggest community gardening competition, with the overall top prize being awarded to the Somerset city of Bath.

The Chipping group adopted the theme of ‘friendship’ for planting this year and was also pleased to have an article published by the RHS on the UN International Day of Friendship.

Chipping in Bloom volunteers celebrated at the RHS Awards. Pic: Chipping in Bloom

Helen added: “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 make 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 the life of Chipping in Bloom, and explained how its volunteers were out and about weeding, watering and refreshing the planted areas throughout the year.

“We also had a hugely successful community ‘Big Help Out’ event in June with around 60 people tidying the village. Chipping in Bloom has a great relationship with our two village schools, Brabins Endowed and St Marys RC Primary, and both were actively involved in seed collection and sowing, tending their grounds and growing fruit and vegetables,” Helen said.

She added: “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.

“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.”

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