Britain in Bloom – It's Your Neighbourhood Awards Success

Britain in Bloom – It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards Success

As part of Audlem’s Britain in Bloom bid, 2 local organisations – the Methodist Church and the Bowling Club – were put forward through ADAS for “It’s Your Neighbourhood” awards.

Local or community groups can join IYN, with the aim of making community improvements. The groups are assessed, with marks being awarded for Community Participation, Environmental Responsibility, and Gardening Achievement. There are 5 levels of award: Establishing, Improving, Developing, Thriving and Outstanding, and groups can be supported to move up through the levels.

However: Both Audlem groups achieved a level 5 Outstanding on their first entry. The judge commented that it was not common for groups to achieve this level on their first attempt, so huge congratulations are due to both the Bowling Club and the Methodist Church, and many thanks to all the members of both groups who contributed to achieving these awards.

In his comments on the Bowling Club, the judge remarked particularly on the excellent community engagement, how clean and tidy everywhere was, with lovely planting giving a feel good factor. He was also impressed with the 2 new shelters which had been designed and built by members of the club, and with the environmental initiatives of recycling and use of rainwater butts for watering the plants.

He was equally impressed with the garden of the Methodist Church, the fact that condemned trees had been retained and carved to make features and all the wood kept on site for benches and seating. He was pleased this was a safe area for children and that they help with the planting and it is a space that can easily be accessed by the community. He complimented all members of the Church for creating such a unique garden.