A message of thanks from our Chairman

Dear Volunteers and Partners,

Friday was judging day for our It's Your Neighbourhood entries in this year's North West in Bloom competition.

Our Vice Chair, Chris England, our Treasurer, Isla Witherington, and I had the pleasure of accompanying our judge, John Shepley, as we visited seven of our partner sites:

Heywood in Bloom Community Allotment

McCulloch & Gleave Funeral Directors

Trinity Church Community Garden

Heady Hill Community Garden

Corcoran Close Community Garden

Heywood's Secret Garden

Cherwell Wellbeing Hub

Every site had its own story to tell. The quality of the portfolios, the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the community engagement, and the care that has gone into creating these wonderful spaces all shone through during the day. We received an incredibly warm welcome at every site, and I would be grateful if all our partners could pass on our sincere thanks to everyone in your organisations and communities who helped make the day such a success.

Fridays judging follows our June visits for the main North West in Bloom entries, when judges toured as part of our entries in the Parks, Business Parks, Large Town and Town Centre categories.

Heywood Town Centre Heywood Distribution Park Friends of Queen's Park Friends of Hopwood Park The Picture Frame Junction 19

We will not know the results until the North West in Bloom Awards presentation, which is usually held in October. Whatever the outcome, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank every volunteer, partner and supporter for the time, commitment and enthusiasm you have shown throughout the year. The progress made across Heywood has been remarkable, and every one of you has played a part in that success.

I would also like to say a very special and heartfelt thank you to the Heywood in Bloom Committee. The commitment, time and energy that the Committee gives behind the scenes often goes unseen, yet it is that dedication which keeps the organisation moving forward. From developing projects and supporting volunteers, to organising events, securing funding, maintaining governance and building new partnerships, the Committee has worked tirelessly throughout the year. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and I cannot thank each and every Committee member enough for everything they do for Heywood.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of all is that Heywood in Bloom is not just one organisation. It is becoming a genuine partnership across our town, bringing together voluntary groups, businesses, schools, churches, community organisations and public bodies with a shared aim of making Heywood greener, more welcoming and a place in which people can take pride. That is something every one of us should celebrate.

If possible, I would be grateful if all our partners could display or circulate a copy of this email so that everyone involved in your projects and communities can see it. So many people contribute behind the scenes and never receive the recognition they deserve. I hope this message goes some small way towards thanking every volunteer, supporter and partner who has helped make this year's success possible.

If you know of any local community groups, schools, businesses or organisations that would like to become involved with Heywood in Bloom, please put them in touch with us. Every new partner brings fresh ideas, new enthusiasm and new opportunities, helping us to continue growing this fantastic network for the benefit of the whole town.

Thank you once again for everything you do. Whatever the judges decide in October, I believe we can already look back on this year with enormous pride. The friendships we have built, the communities we have supported and the places we have transformed are achievements that no trophy can ever fully measure.

With my sincere thanks and very best wishes,

Iain Donaldson

Chair

Heywood in Bloom