On Thursday 22nd November Chorley in Bloom held a Presentation Evening at the Lancastrian Suite, Chorley Town Hall, to recognise and thank the work of the volunteers and sponsors who have helped the group over the year.

The Group had won Gold Award for the last 4 years at the RHS North West in Bloom Award which promotes sustainability, recycling, conservation and the a community who care about their environment reducing litter, graffiti, vandalism and reducing neglected and derelict areas into floral and environmental friendly areas.

The event was opened by Mrs Iris Smith the Chairman of Chorley in Bloom and hosted by Stephen Lowe, Radio Lancashire, who kept everyone entertained.  The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle presented the certificates along with the Chairman Iris Smith and Vice Chairman David Brown,

Cllr Peter Wilson Deputy Leader of Chorley Council and Asim Khan,, Director of Customer and Digital,  were in attendance and very impressed with the way the group have brought the community together and created  a positive change to the town through floral displays, which has also seen an increase in visitors.

The Rt. Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle,  in his closing speech was very impressed with the youth of Chorley,

who give up their time and are active working in the community.  He thanked all the volunteers of all ages and the Council and Chorley in Bloom for working together to make Chorley the “ Northern Flowerhouse” of which he is very proud.

Bill Blackledge, MBE, Chairman RHS North West in Bloom, closed the event by congratulating each and everyone of the sponsors and volunteers for constantly improving the town by working together.

He remarked how hard it is for volunteer groups to get funding for projects and encouraging community participation.  He praised the efforts of the group to encourage participation of youths by running workshops for schools and community groups.

Finally he presented a cup to the Young Gardener of the Year, Sam Whitwell, 10 years old, who has been working every Friday in the edible garden.

The Mayor Cllr. Margaret Lees, then presented flowers to all the dignitaries and Iris Smith thanked everyone who came and said “It’s amazing when you look round and see so many smiling faces and just how many people are willing to give up their time to help make Chorley such a lovely place.” Finally a visit from Father and Mrs Christmas who handed out sweets and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.