Bluebell Gardens – Volunteers hoping to win Gold again
The Bluebell gardens situated on the corner of Bolton rd /Bolton old road Atherton, has been maintained by volunteers for over three years, it was created from a vision years ago by the then chairman Mr Keith Sumner of Atherton environmental projects and Cllr Karen Aldred, Cllr Martin Aldred, Mr May, Cllr Mark Aldred, Mrs Sumner to name just a few.
The vision was to create a garden that was a gateway into Atherton, for people to see as they drive by, walk by, and even to pick up their children from school as its opposite St Philips primary school, we see many residents sitting in the garden waiting for school time pickups, the local hairdresser supports the groups by offering a refreshment in the hot days which was very much appreciated.
Over the years we have brought the community together by involving the school and encouraging the children to plant flowers with the group of volunteers involved.
Over the last twelve months other community groups have supported us, including the Bridger’s of which the Chairman Mr Daly as well as the present chairman Mr Eglington as well as local dementia charity good deeds trust representatives were present at the judging, also many thanks to local cllrs from the neighbouring ward of Atherleigh have worked alongside Atherton environmental projects to keep this garden looking amazing.
Bluebell gardens has been entered three times of which we have won outstanding level 5, the highest award in this category in the first two years.
Our third year as just been judged on Friday by RHS judges who were very impressed by all the group’s efforts.
Fingers crossed we have withheld our award!! – Results are in October.
Karen Aldred who has worked on the project from the beginning is so proud of the groups and the results that have been achieved, this has been made possible by fantastic teamwork of many volunteers who are all very talented and dedicated to enhancing the area, they are strong groups who all work together, with the addition support of funding from Cllrs Karen and martin Aldred through the Wigan council brighter borough fund which has been able to supply an addition bench, planters and litter bin, plants etc. as well as the funds put in to purchase the first willow statue before it was destroyed by a deliberate fire by local lads.
After this happened which was weeks before our judging last year, the community was horrified by this and collective raised the funds needed for another statue which is now in place, why destroy such a beautiful piece of art.
Luckily we had photos to show the judges as we could have lost points on this, we had to do a quick fix and create a centre piece of flowers where the status had been.
