Beeston in Bloom led the charge for South Leeds at the Yorkshire in Bloom awards last week (25 September 2025), winning their fifth straight Gold medal.
Competing in the Urban Community class, the judges described the group as “rich with art, plants, community and talent.” They were impressed by the group’s sustainable planting, re-use and recycle ethos and pride in local history. The painted utility boxes were praised as were the crocheted post box toppers whilst “the litter pickers from Beeston Womblers are vigilant and help keep the streets and green spaces safe, clean and inviting.”
Singled out for special praise was eighty-something year old Vivienne Bate, who received an Outstanding Achievement Award. Commenting on the award, Vivienne told South Leeds Life:
“Of course I am thrilled and honoured, but I also feel a bit guilty as I don’t do much for Beeston in Bloom these days. But I’ve been a member since 2000 and I was the Secretary for about 8 years, including when we represented Yorkshire in Britain in Bloom, so I suppose I did make some impact. Either way, I’m not giving the award back!”
Angela Gabriel, Chair of Beeston in Bloom said:
“I’m highly delighted that we’ve once again won Gold. It shows how much work everybody puts in and how the Womblers keep Beeston really tidy. Congratulations to Vivienne who won a well-deserved achievement award for her longstanding work and inspiration to the rest of the group.”
Also winning Gold, in the Small Business class was Middleton Railway. Judges commented that “everything is well maintained and planters are used to provide some colour in what is rightly an industrial zone.” They continued: “on the platform the planters provide an impressive display and illustrate how much work has been put into planting and maintenance.”
Charles Milner, Chair of the Middleton Railway said:
“We are delighted to once again take home a Gold Award. It’s a great accolade to our Gardener, Mick Jackson, who works so hard to produce the floral displays we all enjoy each year.”
Elsewhere, White Rose Shopping Centre was awarded Silver. The judges commented: “The hanging baskets looked very good and well maintained with a nice colour mix … The bees on the roof were an added bonus.”
Neighbours, White Rose Office Park won Gold, and judges praised: “The border planting (which) includes many herbaceous perennials providing a vivid show from spring through to autumn as well as seed heads for structure and forage through the winter.”
Leeds Valley Park in Stourton was awarded Silver Gilt. The judges said “Some of the plants and borders have struggled in the intense heat and drought but, overall, the area still looks well maintained.”
Acre Court sheltered housing complex in Middleton was judged as part of the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme receiving a Level 4 ‘Thriving’ assessment. The judges commented:
“It was lovely to see the difference that this group makes to the residents of Acre Court and to see how many people are actually getting involved. It was very impressive to hear of residents, making their own wooden planting containers. The gardening club which meets every other week is a lovely idea. It was good to hear that so much recycling is taking place and that the group is composting and making use of a water butt.”
Photo: Vivienne Bate receives her Outstanding Achievement Award
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