On Friday 9th July, the North West in Bloom judges are due to visit Gateacre village, which has entered the competition for the very first time. A group of enthusiastic local residents, assisted by the City Council, have been organising the installation of planters and hanging baskets. Others have been busy with paint-brushes, mops and brooms. It has been a real community effort, and we are pleased that so many local businesses have agreed to participate or to make cash donations. We are also delighted to hear that pupils of Gateacre Comprehensive School will be giving Queen Victoria a much-needed wash and brush-up!

The good work will not end on 9th July, though. The new 'Friends of Gateacre' organisation - of which our Society is a Patron - will be raising funds during the coming months to pay both for future 'Gateacre in Bloom' displays and other community projects.