Silver Award for Holbeck in Bloom

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.