The judging of the Annual Saddleworth in Bloom competition took place on Tuesday 31st July 2018. The panel of judges consisted of the Chairman of the Parish Council and the Chairman’s Lady, Councillor Rob Knotts and Mrs Lesley Knotts, the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council and the Vice Chairman’s Lady, Councillor Paul Fryer and Mrs Aileen Fryer and the Clerk to the Council, Pam Bailey. Paul Bailey accompanied the judges and took photographs of all the entries.
The following categories were judged:
- Small Garden (under 125 square metres);
- Medium Garden (over 125 but under 250 square metres);
- Large Garden (over 250 square metres);
- Container Garden;
- Community Garden; and
- Best Blooming Pub.
The judges’ decision was as follows:
Winners:
Small Garden Jean Phillips, Grotton
Medium Garden Dr Eammon and Pauline O’Daly, Uppermill and William Dean and Eileen Lousin, Dobcross (joint winners)
Large Garden Glynis Bruce, Denshaw
Container Garden Ann Smith, Dobcross
Community Garden Outram Mews, Uppermill
Best Blooming Pub The Old Bell, Delph
Highly Commended:
Small Garden Les Chapman, Delph and Christine Foy, Greenfield
Large Garden David Haines, Grasscroft
Container Garden Brenda Whitehead, Delph
Community Garden Anne Coude, Greenfield
Best Blooming Pub The Old Original, Scouthead
Commended:
Small Garden Mr and Mrs P. McCarthy, Springhead
Best Blooming Pub The Swan, Dobcross
The judges commented that the standard of entries was very high and their decision had not been easy. However, the number of entries was, again, disappointingly low which could have been due to the effects of the very bad winter and/or the extremely dry summer. They offered their thanks to everyone who took part and said that they hope to see an even bigger competition next year. The Clerk added that a review of the format of the competition will be undertaken to try to encourage more people to enter next year.
