Due to the ongoing restrictions with COVID-19 the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has decided to cancel judging for this year.
Although numerous voluntary and community groups will understandably be disappointed by the announcement, Green Sefton – who help co-ordinate North West in Bloom within the Borough – still want people to remain active within the competition.
Green Sefton’s Suzanne McCumiskey said: “Green Sefton fully support and understand the decision made by the RHS. We would urge all the groups in Sefton to use the time to plan for next year’s competition and consider ways to support neighbouring groups and volunteers when the current situation changes. Groups should also consider the funding opportunities that Green Sefton circulate to groups on a weekly basis.
“Community groups have done amazingly well in the North West in Bloom competition for many years and Green Sefton is certain that groups will come back with an even greater passion and commitment to help improve and make Sefton cleaner and greener.”
Suzanne also paid tribute to Bill Blackledge MBE, Chairman of North West in Bloom, who recently passed away.
She said: “Bill had judged the competition in Sefton for many years. ‘Sefton in Bloomers’ had great respect and admiration for Bill and for the dedication he gave to the competition and for helping Sefton improve on its success over the years. Bill’s lovely humour, warmth and genuine love and passion for horticulture will be sadly missed by Sefton. Green Sefton express our sincere sympathy to his family.”
If you would like to become involved in North West in Bloom you can email green.sefton@sefton.gov.uk
If you have an interest in taking a more active role in community gardening visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/community-gardening and for hints and tips on growing your own food visit https://mysefton.co.uk/2020/04/09/se…grow-your-own/
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