Middleton-in-Teesdale blooms for judges’ visit

MIDDLETON-in-Teesdale looks set to cling on to its title as one of the prettiest villages in the north of England following a successful visit by judges of the Northumberland in Bloom competition. 

Judges Marjorie Holt and Tony Smith visited on Monday, July 10, and, despite intermittent drizzle, were complimentary of the village’s entry.

Middleton in Bloom committee members, along with volunteers, went the extra mile to sweep and pick up litter for several hours the day before the judging was due to take place – and the effort did not go unnoticed.

Ms Holt said: “It is a joy to do this tour.

“The village is very neat and tidy. There is no litter at all. It is a very attractive village.”

Last year the village achieved gold in the competition and improvements and additions since then have been small but significant.

Mr Smith said: “What I like is that it is not over the top. It is the right level of improvement for a village that does not need a lot.

“It is basically a stone village and from what I have seen it is the right level of intervention and planting. It is nicely balanced and letting the village speak to you while still brightening it up.”

A new addition to the village’s entry are two vegetable and fruit planters near the primary school. The aim is for people in the village to help themselves to the produce.

While tomato and other plants were stolen from the planters, the committee dug in some fresh replacements ahead of the judging.

Ms Holt said: “It is really sad, but the volunteers have not been demoralised at all.”

Another feature that impressed the judges was the introduction of planters around the village hall which competition organiser Pam Phillips said was aimed at creating a bit of “cheer in this little corner”.

Particularly impressive for the judges was that Middleton in Bloom worked with other community organisations to fill the new planters around the hall as well as other projects.

Ms Phillips said: “This is all the little Rainbows’ work because they wanted to get their gardening badges.

“They now all have a potato at home in a little black pot and hopefully they will get their little badges.

“The Beavers have decided they want to do their community badges and they decided to help Middleton-in-Bloom. They sowed sunflower seeds for us.”

Another example of community involvement are the flowers around the edge of the village green which are maintained by the Women’s Institute.

The village will hear the outcome of the judging later in the year.

Mr Phillips said: “The judges were very positive. They were just full of good compliments and I am quietly confident.”