ALTRINCHAM is continuing to blossom – and communities in Trafford are taking inspiration.

Altrincham in Bloom has flourished over the past three years, enjoying a hat-trick of much-coveted golds.

And 2016 was a bumper year, with Altrincham also chosen to represent the North West region in the national RHS Britain In Bloom competition’s Large Towns category.

To mark this success, Trafford Mayor Cllr Judith Lloyd held an In-Bloom Celebration Event in at Altrincham Town Hall in January.

The event celebrated what has been achieved by the group to date and aimed to promote how others could get involved with In Bloom.

Our Altrincham’s Sarah Walmsley and Art with a Heart founder Karen Wroe addressed a packed hall, and speeches were also given by the mayor and North West in Bloom judge Melvin Kirby.

“We were extremely grateful to the Mayor of Trafford for recognising the contribution we have been making to Altrincham and giving us the opportunity to encourage the formation of the new In Bloom groups in Trafford,” said Sarah, Altrincham In Bloom Project Coordinator.

The aim of the regional and national In Bloom competition is to encourage the improvement of people’s surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping. It also aims to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment.

Sarah said that In Bloom helps instil civic pride, competitive spirit and determination in communities.

“Everyone enjoys a bit of competition and we found that Altrincham got right behind us. And with support, anything is possible,” added Sarah.

And feedback from the mayor’s event has been ‘positive and reassuring’.

“It is quite daunting to be going up against very experienced In Bloom groups at the Britain in Bloom finals this year but it seems that a lot of people have faith in us and we will do our very best to do them proud,” said Sarah.

“It also sounded like we had given a few groups the confidence to enter the competition and very much look forward to cheering them on as they embark on their In Bloom journeys.”

The theme of the Altrincham in Bloom 2017 entry – ‘Sense-Sation’ – was also unveiled at the event.

“We experience sensation through sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Planting can stimulate all or just some of our senses and we are hoping for ‘sense-sational planting schemes as a result,” said Sarah.

To get involved with Altrincham in Bloom, email info@altrinchaminbloom.org.uk. For more information on In Bloom, visit northwestinbloom.com.

For information on how to apply for funding for In Bloom projects, contact One Trafford on 0333 0035865.