Ian Pickup proudly displaying this year award from Yorkshire In Bloom
We were delighted to receive the Silver Award at the Yorkshire in Bloom gathering at York Racecourse in the Urban Community Category. The Judges gave us a report on how well we had done and highlighting areas for improvement. We have included a copy of their report on this page .
Category 2A: Urban Community
Judges Comments
Holbeck Silver Rose Award
Spring Medal Position – Silver Summer Medal Position – Silver Gilt
Introduction
The extremely keen and committed In Bloom Group continue to make a clear
impression in Holbeck and have taken on board the judges comments from the Spring
judging to ensure the on-going progress of the “Holbeck Experience”. The continuing
environmental improvements and close working relationship with all sector partner
organisations will ensure that current and longer term development planned for the
area will both enhance and benefit the local community.
Section A: Horticultural Achievement
Areas of Achievement
The continuing development of the Community Vegetable & Fruit Patch Initiative at the
rear of the Community Centre by the introduction of wall plantings and signage on the
raised beds inviting local people to gather and utilise the produce. The continuing
addition of new plantings to the Nationwide Security Services car park and the raised
beds in the grounds of the Ingram Road School. Despite the poor weather conditions,
the surprisingly good quality of the mixed plantings in the substantial wooden and
other planters located throughout the area. The organisational and promotional work
being done through the local Gardens Competition to encourage residents to add
colourful plantings within the very small frontages. The provision of a grassed area
following the removal of the over-mature shrub border alongside St Matthews Centre
and the Holbeck carpet bed sign demonstrating pride of place by the community.
Areas for Improvement
The attractive Cleveley Court Community Housing complex provides a quiet “oasis”
which could be improved with more colourful plantings in the public areas. The judges
thought that next time it might be useful to meet some of the residents of Cleveley
Court. The Shafton Road allotments whilst clearly fulfilling a community need would
benefit from investment to improve the infrastructure and security. Continue to
achieve a closer link with the Ingram Road School to encourage environmental
responsibility and knowledge. Continue to expand business support both directly and
through partnership arrangements.
Section B: Environmental Responsibility
Areas of Achievement
The introduction of a wild flower raised bed at the local school. The Green Corridor
project along the historic walking route between Holbeck and Leeds City centre and
the introduction of perennial wildflower meadows. Some improvement was
recognised in controlling litter and this will be further improved by the introduction of
resident permit parking, which will discourage non-resident parking in the area on
Leeds United match days.
Areas for Improvement
Introduction of Interpretation boards in the community raised beds at St Matthews
Community Centre identifying the culinary plants and their uses. Still more evidence
of the recycling activities taking place within the community is required. Continue to
maintain efforts to discourage littering of public areas directly through provision of
additions bins and indirectly by demonstrating pride of place through on-going
environmental improvements and high maintenance standards. Consider inclusion of
aspects of local or natural heritage for judging in the future.
Section C: Community Participation
Areas of Achievement
The In Bloom Group continue to provide clear evidence of all-year-round planning and
involvement by its numerous partners through the up-date sheet handed to the Judges
and the excellent visual display demonstrating all year round achievements and
proposed future development. Community awareness achieved through posters, In
Bloom signs, press articles, the Holbeck in Bloom blog site and the quarterly South
Leeds Life magazine enabling on-going publicity to be given to the work of the group
and its partners. The website is now being developed. Business support is expanding
and other funding opportunities are being pursued from grant-making bodies, public
sector bodies and local resources together with year-round fundraising activities,
sponsorship and practical help in kind. The environmental partnerships that continue
to be developed with public and private sponsors and supporters that enable
resources to be made available to bring about a wide range of environmental
improvements. Working with local Businesses this time Lloyds Banking group.
Areas for Improvement
Maintain and where possible continue to develop current levels of local community
participation. Particular emphasis should be given to encouraging greater involvement
by the local school.
Holbeck in Bloom 