TODAY (Thursday) is a day on which Stalybridge will display its civic pride to the rest of the world.
For, the town has been entered by Tameside Council in the “Britain in Bloom” competition, in which the judging takes place today.
According to Peter Taylor, chairman of Stalybridge’s Chamber of Trade, the town has been absolutely transformed over the last few months since it was entered in the contest.
“There are more litter boxes and Stalybridge shoppers seem to have responded accordingly. They are picking up litter themselves and discouraging their children from dropping it. The whole town seems so much cleaner.”
New seating has been installed in Grosvenor Square, complete with floral displays. And even the lamp-posts have been spruced up with hanging baskets.
Draped all around the town are approximately thirty “Stalybridge in Bloom” flags. Made by a local firm, the flags have been designed by bid organizer Sylvia Rogerson, who is, naturally, very keen for Stalybridge to do well.
Mrs Rogerson said: “If we can get through to the judges the care and effort that has been put into the bid, then perhaps we will stand an even greater chance of winning.”
The judge Mr Farmer and Mr Ginney are due to arrive at the town’s Community Centre, Waterloo Street at 9am.
They will be joined by Sylvia Rogerson and fellow bid organizer Peter Noden and will then walk up Market Street and Melbourne Street.
Tameside’s Mayor, Albert Hatton, will meet the judge at the corner of Melbourne Street and Grosvenor Square, where they will be sung to by Gorse Hill Primary School pupils. They will subsequently be entertained by West Hill Band at the site of the old town hall before finishing their tour in the library.
Here they will examine pictures of the improvements in Stalybridge over the last year, and the last few months in particular. For, what was a comparatively drab town centre has undoubtedly changed for the better. Stalybridge, previously known mainly as the town where “It’s a long way to Tipperary” was written is hoping to enjoy new-found fame today by winning the Britain in Bloom competition. And, thanks to the tireless efforts of the organizers, success may well come its way.