Judges of a national gardening competition came to Rawtenstall earlier this month, after the community spent months planting, cleaning – and keeping hungry sheep away.
Rawtenstall has been chosen to represent the North West at the Britain in Bloom competition, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The national judging day took place on August 3 and judges walked around the town to appraise Civic Pride Rossendale’s (a voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to making Rossendale a cleaner and greener) entry ‘Rawtenstall in Bloom’.
This is after months of hard work by Civic Pride volunteers gardeners and litter pickers, the council, local businesses, nurseries, schools and talented crafts people.
Sue Shuttleworth, the chair of Civic Pride Rossendale, and vice chair Lynn Smith, escorted judges Rae Beck and Roger Burnett around the rout.
The tour took three hours, starting from the East Lancashire Railway station up to the market and then back.
Along the route they were shown the 17 gardens, historical feature, planters and barrier baskets.
They were introduced to lots of people who had played a part in transforming Rawtenstall over the years and enjoyed listening to how they had been involved.
They were also entertained by members of the Rossendale choir and a ukulele band.
Drinks were provided including samples from Mr Fitzpatrick’s temperance bar.
Following the judging a picnic in the park was organised at Whitaker Park to celebrate the day.
The event was opened by the mayor of Rossendale Andrew Walmsley who congratulated Civic Pride Rossendale and the Rawtenstall community for what had been achieved.
Sir Jake Berry announced the winners of the window display competition. First place went to the Rossendal Youth Zone, who painted their windows with sunflowers.
The community’s efforts came under threat in July after the town was invaded by hungry sheep who ate hundreds of pounds worth of plants, undoing hours of hard work.
A spokesperson for Civic Pride Rossendale said: “It was smiles all round as the sun shone and the sheep stayed away for Rawtenstall in the judging day.
"It really is a great place to visit with the fabulous flower gardens, independent shops and cafes and bars to enjoy.
"The community of Rawtenstall has really come together to join in following the theme of sunflowers.
“A slipper display represented the [shoe industry] of Rossendale.
“The whole of Rawtenstall has been cleaned and tidied over the past few months with the help and support of the council in preparation for the event with pavements and walls being jet washed , railings being painted and replaced where needed.
“A whole army of litter pickers ensured that not a scrap of litter was left on the streets.
“Civic Pride Volunteers have also been trying to improve the habitat for our wildlife with bird feeders, bat boxes, bug hotels and beyond.”
Results of the competition will be announced at the end of October.
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