Marvellous Mirfield bloomers make town ‘nice place to live’ as volunteer group celebrate 2023 Yorkshire In Bloom award

The town was declared joint best along with Knaresborough and secured another gold title, following their success in 2022, after their crown jewels theme wowed judges in the summer.

Volunteer Christine Sykes said after the results: “We did our very, very best but we were a bit worried because once you’re up the only way is down. We were desperately hoping that all of our hard work had come to pass, so our feelings were of relief that we were keeping up the good work on behalf of Mirfield.”

Thanking everybody involved in the group’s efforts, Christine added: “It is a massive thank you to everyone involved, especially Mirfield Town Council who are our main sponsors. Also the John Cotton Group, they sponsor the neighbourhoods, who have all done magnificently this year because they’ve all got top marks of outstanding.

“It is not just the town centre which is outstanding, it’s the whole town.

“We are also really, really proud of Ruth Edwards for leading us into yet another successful year.”

As for Mirfield In Bloom’s plans for 2024, Christine added: “We can’t stop now. We do need extra help with volunteering because none of us are getting any younger. We have to keep going and we are hoping to go from strength to strength.”

Other businesses, schools and community groups in Mirfield and Dewsbury were rewarded at last Thursday’s regional ceremony.

The Old Colonial pub in Mirfield received the Silver Gilt award in the Small Businesses category, with the judges verdict stating:

“A splendid array of colour greeted the judges upon turning into the car park. All planters and hanging baskets were in full bloom and, coupled with the established beds and borders, offered a kaleidoscope of colour.”

Landlord Tim Wood said: “We are thrilled to bits. We have followed due diligence with all the judges’ recommendations from last year and, on a very limited budget out of our own back pocket, we still managed to get Silver Gilt.

“A lot of community effort goes on throughout Mirfield, Mirfield In Bloom is one of them, and it just shows how communities can pull together to make a small pennine town so outstanding.”

Crossley Fields Junior and Infant School in Mirfield claimed silver in the young people’s award after impressing judges with their “thriving gardening club.” The award was presented to the school by Yorkshire In Bloom judges, as well as Christine and Ruth from Mirfield In Bloom, on Tuesday in a special assembly.

Mr Foster, who led the school project, said: “I am incredibly proud of the efforts of the children and parent volunteers. They were such a big help.

“Also a big thank you to Christine and everyone from Mirfield in Bloom for their continued support.”

Zainab, a Year 6 pupil involved in the Enrichment Club, said: “I loved planting flowers in the beds and making the school look nice.”

Church House Pre-School in the town claimed gold in the same category, with judges praising the setting’s “impressive portfolio.”

St Mary’s Church and neighbourhood, St Paul’s Lock and Mirfield Heritage were also celebrated at the ceremony.

Congratulations to all our winners. If your business, school or community group received an award from this year’s Yorkshire In Bloom contest, please contact us via [email protected]