Chesterfield’s green-fingered residents have shown off their talents in the annual Chesterfield In Bloom competitions.
The contests are open to all Chesterfield residents and aim to celebrate the borough’s fantastic gardens no matter the size.
Chris Turner, Chair of the Chesterfield in Bloom committee, said: “Our Chesterfield In Bloom competitions always receive lots of entries and they are always of a really high standard which makes judging very difficult. I want to congratulate everyone who has won this year but also recognise everyone who entered for their incredible efforts.”
Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Lots of people always put a great effort into their entries for Chesterfield In Bloom and this year was no exception. In Bloom offers the opportunity to celebrate experienced gardeners but also aims to encourage everyone to get out in their gardens and our schools’ competition is a great way of giving children their first gardening experience. Congratulations to everyone who took part in this fantastic competition.”
There are ten categories open to individuals and the winners are:
- Best Overall – Andrea Brookes, Brimington
- Best Front Garden – Elizabeth Mulcahey, Inkersall
- Best Back Garden (small) – Richard and Sharon Smithson, Newbold
- Best Back Garden (large) – Terry and Eileen Kelly, Brookside
- Best Pub/Restaurant – The Café at Libbys, Brampton
- Best Container Garden – Andrea Brooks, Brimington
- Best Council House Tenant Container Garden – Tracy Flett and Terry Sharman, Poolsbrook
- Best Council House Tenant Garden – Anita Stevenson, Duckmanton
- Best Allotment Plot (small) – Mick Charlesworth, Rufford Close Allotment Association
- Best Allotment Plot (large) – Colin Bloom, Hunloke Allotment Association
The judge’s discretionary awards went to Eric Lee from New Whittington and Ami Brunyee from Ashgate Hospice.
The schools’ competitions also made a return in 2021 with awards being given to Woodthorpe Church of England Primary School, Norbriggs Primary and Junior School, Speedwell Infant School, Arkwright Primary School and Treasures Neighbourhood Nursery, for their Vibrant Vegetables.
And for their Fabulous Flowers awards were given to Parkside Community School, Woodthorpe Church of England Primary School, Norbriggs Primary and Junior School, Speedwell Infant School, Arkwright Primary School and Treasures Neighbourhood Nursery.
The children’s painting competition was themed around climate change and had two categories, in the reception to year two group Ronan Ager from Westfield Primary School took first prize and in the year three to six group Layla Reynolds from Brockwell Junior School took the top award.
Last month Chesterfield scooped Gold in East Midlands In Bloom and received a Judge’s Award for the development of Edinburgh Road Pocket Park. Chesterfield was put forward to represent the region in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Community Awards which is part of their Britain In Bloom campaign.
Chesterfield entered two categories:
- Planting With A Purpose – Brimington island was awarded with an Achievement award
- Cultivating Your Community – Edinburgh Road Pocket Park was awarded with Highly Commended
Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt added: “To be recognised in East Midlands In Bloom was fantastic but receiving recognition on a national level tops off a truly incredible year for Chesterfield In Bloom. I know local volunteers and our officers put a lot of hard work into getting these awards and really helps show Chesterfield as a fantastic place to live.”
In a further testament to the quality of green spaces in Chesterfield, five of the council’s parks were awarded Green Flags. This is an internationally recognised mark of quality.
Chesterfield In Bloom will return next year and you can find out how to get involved on the Chesterfield In Bloom page.
