Reg Birch Community Garden and the Richard Bentley Smalley Memorial Hall, Middleton wins Britain in Bloom award on first attempt

Thursday, 6 November 2025 12:02

By David Murphy

Reg Birch Community Garden and Richard Bentley Smalley Memorial Hall recognised with top RHS awards in first-time Britain in Bloom entries.

Middleton is celebrating national recognition after two local community spaces were honoured in this year’s Britain in Bloom campaign, both participating for the first time.

The Richard Bentley Smalley Memorial Hall received a prestigious Level 5 ‘Outstanding’ award, while the Reg Birch Community Garden was awarded a Level 4 ‘Thriving’ rating, reflecting the strength and impact of both projects in their local area.

Volunteers at both sites have spent the past year revitalising outdoor spaces, planting seasonal blooms, and creating welcoming areas for the community to enjoy.

Leah Slater, a volunteer at the awards ceremony, shared her pride at the achievement: “What a wonderful day we’ve had. I’m so grateful to be a part of this. All the hard work has paid off. For our first time being involved, it’s such an honour. Well done everyone!”

The Britain in Bloom awards are run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and celebrate excellence in community gardening across the UK. Projects are assessed on three core pillars: community participation, environmental responsibility, and horticultural achievement.

A Level 5 rating is the highest available and marks an outstanding level of delivery. The Richard Bentley Smalley Memorial Hall team’s efforts to create an inclusive and beautiful green space were highly commended by judges.

Meanwhile, Level 4 status for the Reg Birch Community Garden recognises the impressive progress made in its first year and sets the stage for continued development.

Both awards were given under the RHS ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category, which focuses on grassroots projects led by volunteers.

Britain in Bloom is the UK’s largest community gardening campaign, run by the Royal Horticultural Society. It encourages groups to improve their local environments through gardening and community collaboration.

Middleton’s Reg Birch Community Garden is one of a growing number of Rochdale Borough green spaces receiving national awards thanks to local dedication and environmental teams. It is hoped the award will inspire further projects across the borough and encourage even more residents to get involved in future years.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Council leader’s column: Unity must prevail as we reject hatred and stand together in remembrance

Rochdale’s council leader has issued a powerful call for unity and remembrance, condemning hate-fuelled division following an antisemitic terror attack and controversial political protests in Heywood.
Major road in Middleton closed as crews tackle phone mast fire and gas safety fears

A phone mast fire shut down a key road in Middleton this morning, with firefighters and police establishing a safety cordon amid concerns about potential gas risks.
Rochdale community garden earns top award in regional Britain in Bloom scheme

A local gardening project at Spotland Community Centre has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by North West judges, celebrating the efforts of volunteers and residents
Work begins on major housing scheme that will bring 81 new homes to Rochdale

A long-abandoned site near Rochdale railway station is finally being redeveloped thanks to £15 million in government funding
🚒 LIVE: We join Greater Manchester fire crews in Rochdale tonight for a ride-along

Live updates during the evening as we embed with GMFRS for a behind-the-scenes look at frontline fire service work during one of the busiest times of the year.
The school where phones are locked away

A scheme in which students lock their phones away at the start of the school day has had a ‘remarkable impact’, according to a headteacher.
Rochdale-born creative agency founder spotlighted in ‘extraordinary’ Greater Manchester business campaign

A Rochdale entrepreneur who turned her wellness-focused creative agency into a global brand builder has been recognised as one of Greater Manchester’s most inspiring business leaders.
Bury bows to GMCA pressure with £12k Cannes trip as taxpayers foot bill for global investor summit

Bury Council says it made a 'late decision' to attend controversial MIPIM property conference after Greater Manchester Combined Authority urged all 10 councils to take part, following backlash from the Daily Mails article.
Masked gang targets couple in terrifying early morning burglary in Littleborough

A man and woman were threatened by four masked men, one armed with a knife, during an aggravated burglary on Todmorden Road in Littleborough.
Bury’s Rock Shopping Centre opens giant Christmas donation station to support struggling families

A huge festive donation box has arrived in Bury, as The Rock joins forces with local churches and The Salvation Army to collect toys for children in need.
Eight-year jail sentence for man who smuggled drugs into Bury through fake parcels from America

A man who smuggled drugs into the UK through parcels disguised with fake American return addresses has been jailed for eight years following a major investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
Grooming gang rapist escapes UK and did what the government couldn’t

A convicted Rochdale grooming gang member has finally left the UK, not through deportation, but by disappearing on his own, doing what the Home Office failed to achieve for over a decade.