‘We wish everyone well with their campaign’: Roberttown welcomes Yorkshire in Bloom judges in bid to be county’s best village

Roberttown in Bloom, who are looking to secure a fifth consecutive gold standard in the prestigious RHS competition, welcomed judges Pat Braithwaite and Brendan Morforth to the village last Monday (July 13).

Children from nearby My Little Barn Owls nursery used sign language to greet the judges before they were taken on a tour by members of the hard-working in Bloom voluntary group, who have co-ordinated with Roberttown Craft and Chatter to create the 2026 theme of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Numerous caterpillar displays using recycled articles can be seen around the picturesque village which has created an “educational and entertaining theme” for youngsters and adults alike.

Chair Louise Hardy said: “It was a fabulous day. It has been a very challenging year, like it has for most groups, with the heat and we have had to be very patient with our plants and have had to make sure we selected the right plants for the climate.

“It has been the third consecutive year of really dry temperatures so we have to accept times are changing for growing and we have had to wait a little bit longer for the plants to settle in.

“We can safely say, however, we have thoroughly enjoyed it and we are really pleased with our displays. Everyone of all ages has embraced our theme.”

Judges were also taken to the Roberttown Community Orchard, an accessible green space featuring a variety of fruit trees, paved pathways and seats, whilst a larger planter dedicated to those who have been affected by breast cancer was also shown off.

“We are absolutely delighted with our Orchard,” Louise said. “It is in its first phase, the trees that have been planted have settled in, and the apple trees especially are beginning to bear fruit. We are making it as accessible as possible.

“It was a privilege to show the progress we have made with it and our thanks go to Kirklees, our sponsors, supporters and, indeed, the whole community.

“The judges found it to be a very special place.”

She added: “Our Breast Cancer in Bloom planter, filled with pink pollinators, perennials and ever-greens, was new for this year and is dedicated to everyone in our community, and beyond, affected by a disease which is becoming more prevalent in today’s society.

“It will be a lasting legacy which is proudly on display along Commonside. We are delighted that this project will continue to become part of the commitment to the work that we do at Roberttown in Bloom.”

Praising other local in Bloom groups ahead of the 2026 Yorkshire in Bloom ceremony in September, Louise said:

“Having achieved a gold award since we first entered in 2022, we genuinely hope we are able to retain that status. There are a number of groups working extremely hard within the Bloom movement locally and we would like to wish everyone well in their Yorkshire in Bloom campaign.

“I would also like to thank our group members, as well as our public who always appreciate what we do.”