A Penrith councillor is celebrating after Barrow scooping several awards at this year’s ‘Cumbria in Bloom’ Awards.
Westmorland and Furness Council has said in a statement issued today it was delighted that the Royal Horticulture Society’s 2024 Cumbria in Bloom Awards recognised great collaborations amongst the Barrow BID, Barrow Town Council, and local charities including Mind in Furness and Love Barrow Families.
Cumbria in Bloom is part of the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, a nationwide effort to foster community unity and tackle local issues through the beauty of horticulture. This year, Barrow welcomed RHS judges over the summer to showcase its diverse array of community projects which have added life and colour to public spaces while reflecting a strong sense of local pride.
The efforts were richly rewarded at the Cumbria in Bloom Awards ceremony held at Kendal Town Hall, where Cllr Taylor along with representatives of some of the other organisations from Barrow received six awards, including:
Dock Museum Surrounds – RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood Award, Level 4 (Thriving)
Love Barrow Families Allotment – RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood Award, Level 4 (Thriving)
Mind in Furness Mind Garden – RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood Award, Level 4 (Thriving)
Barrow Town Centre – RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood Award, Level 4 (Thriving)
Barrow Park – RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood Award, Level 3 (Advancing)
Barrow-in-Furness – Pride in Your Community Category, Silver Gilt Medal Award
The awards celebrate the dedication and skill involved in creating vibrant displays and community spaces across the area and are a testament to the passion of countless volunteers and community groups who have invested time and energy into enhancing the town’s public spaces.
Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Councillor for Penrith South and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said:
“These awards are a brilliant reflection of Barrow’s strong community spirit and the pride residents take in making our town a greener, more beautiful place for all. Each project showcases the amazing work of volunteers, local organisations, and partners who’ve come together to bring Barrow to life through these green spaces.
“Green spaces like these are invaluable for promoting health and wellbeing in our community and highlight how beneficial gardening can be in connecting us with nature. I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in this year’s entries, including colleagues at the Council.”
Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Councillor for Kendal Strickland and Fell ward and Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity, and Environmental Services, added:
“Seeing the community come together to enhance Barrow’s biodiversity is truly inspiring. These beautiful displays not only brighten the town but also create vital support for pollinators. Working hand-in-hand with our residents and partners is essential for an ecologically aware council like ours, helping tackle biodiversity loss while making our towns and villages even more inviting.”
The council said the latest recognition follows on from another achievement for the council which saw Castle Park in Penrith recognised earlier this year with a prestigious Green Flag Award, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. The council also received Green Flag Awards for its cemeteries in Penrith and Alston, further highlighting the dedication to enhancing green spaces across Westmorland and Furness.
Despite the bright floral displays in Penrith this summer the town has not taken part in the annual Cumbria in Bloom awards since 2022 although local businesses and community around the town have taken part and also received awards in the 2024 Cumbria in Bloom awards.
Cavendish Trophy – Biodiversity Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith
Community Champion Shield Laura Binnie, Paragon Veterinary Practice
Clifton – Pride in Your Community Category, Silver Gilt Medal Award
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