Ridgeway Village in Bloom

Ridgeway in Bloom is a project make up of volunteers who give freely of their time and effort to improve and care for Ridgeway, Ford, and High Lane, whilst maintaining its rural aspect.

We are an informal committee of villagers and our aim is to make the village a tidy and attractive place to live in. We encourage re-cycling and litter picking, arrange the planting of flower beds and baskets, co-ordinate with groups or sponsors about permanent planting and organise a garden trail in the summer. We welcome help with all these activities and assistance with funding and fund raising to help pay for it. We meet at the Sports and Social Club on the last Monday in each month at 19:30.

Each year the Britain in Bloom competition is entered which covers many criteria such as:  environmental issues; floral displays and maintenance of hanging baskets; general cleanliness; local involvement from individuals, schools, businesses and churches to name but a few.

In 2001, Ridgeway was given a commendation for effort

In 2002, we came third in the large Village Class

In 2003, after changing to the Village Class, we won First Prize

In 2004, Ridgeway again came first, and was also awarded a Silver Gilt Medal Certificate

In 2005, it was First Prize and Siver Gilt again, plus a Judges Award:  Children's environmental awareness at the Village School.

In 2006, we again won a Silver Gilt Award, with a Judges' Eco Award again going to the Village School.

Everyone can help to improve our chances in the competition by ensuring that all the Village looks its best when judging takes place.  The judging criteria include the following:

• Visible floral impact from bedding displays being maintained and cared for
• Photographic evidence of Spring Displays
• Community, Private, Commercial, and Industrial involvement
• Absence of litter, graffiti, fly tipping, and general cleanliness of the area.

- an ideal incentive for everyone to cut hedges and tidy gardens.

Money for Ridgeway in Bloom is raised by sponsorship and fundraising events, including the Ridgeway Ball - the main source of income.  If you would like to be involved in Ridgeway in Bloom, or help in any way, please contact Janet Poole on 0783 395 3522.  If you would like to sponsor the project, please contact Jean Bull on 0114 248 4405.

In 2006 the Old Ridgeway Exhibition at the Craft Centre (Corn Store) was established by Village in Bloom.  This was been compiled by volunteers and covers many aspects of village life in photographs and artefacts.  The theme of the exhibition is occasionally changed.  Currently (June 2007) there are exhibits on Farming, the High Lane Colliery, census information, house deeds, and wills.  Opening times: Fridays and Saturdays, 11am to 4pm.  Please come along and find out about Old Ridgeway and how it used to look.  We welcome contributions to the Exhibition.  If you have any photographs we can copy them and return your originals to you within seven days.

Help is needed for watering the summer beds at Geer Lane, Sload Lane, and the Main Road flats.  Please contact Janet Poole if you can help.

For further information please contact Janet Poole on 0783 395 3522.

** 2008 Garden Trail - Sunday 8 June - 1 to 5pm  - Participating Village Gardens

1. Sue & Clive Biggin, Simfield View, Sloade Lane
2. Janet Poole, Frampton Cottage, 48 Ridgeway Moor
3. Pat Johnson, 44 Ridgeway Moor
4. Gwyneth & Tony Harris, 34 Ridgeway Moor
5. Sue & Mick Herbert, 28 Church Lane, Ridgeway Moor
6. Ada Ketteringham, Karen, & Geoff, 20 Ridgeway Moor
7. Joan & John Moxam, Windcroft, Wren Park Close
8. Sue & Graham Bagshaw, 30 Kent House Close
9. Pauline & Sonny Cartledge, 30 Lowfield Avenue
10. Janine Whitaker, 14 Phoenix Road
11. Wendy & Rob Hughes, Croft House, High Lane Farm
12. Marguerite & David Robbins, 36 High Lane
13. Sue & Mick Mackley, Four Winds, High Lane
14. Jean & Fred Bull, 24 Ribblesdale Drive
15. Maureen & Frank Connerton, 30 Camdale View

Tickets, £3.00 each (children free), available from Jean Bull on 0114 248 4405.  If you don't have a ticket on the day, just turn up at one of the gardens, and you can buy one.  At some of the gardens you will be able to buy drinks and light refreshemsnts.  All takings will be in aid of Village in Bloom.