We decided to enter Northumbria in Bloom this year and thought we could enter for only the Summer Competition, unfortunately it was March when we found out that you  had to have both Spring and Summer entries as there were marks for each and all went towards the final marking.

We quickly got started and managed to get four people to sponsor us

The local hairdressers

Stately Paving

Councillors John & Chris Hobson

Rememberance of Terry Ward the previous local councillor.

and although we did not have much time, spring judging took place on 15th May, we felt we had achieved something by this time.  The local pub looked nice with its hanging baskets, the school children had started on their gardens with vegetables and the community as a whole were making an effort.

By the summer judging 15th July things were looking green and bright and the residents had made a tremendous effort.  The gardens in the school had vegetables ready to eat and the children will take some of the produce into Middlesbrough Town Centre to join in the Town Meal at the beginning of September.

Unfortunately the local pub, did not have any hanging baskets due to a break down of their watering system so things will have to improve there.

We went to Longridge Wood and walked into the middle I was pleased that not one piece of litter had been left, as we all know the Council have not maintained this for the last fifteen years, it has all be down to the residents and it looked wonderful.  As we got into the wood one of the judges saw a deer, this was most rewarding.

Marton West recycle lots of green waste.  This goes to Haverton Hill where it is composted and people can go and help themselves to compost.   We also recycle our tins and papers.  We have many charities asking for clothing and ink cartridges and we know there is a good yield from the community of Marton West.

We have learnt a lot this year and hope to have many more things in place for the judging in May 2009.

Thank you to everyone who has made an effort we feel that Marton West Ward is a very pleasant place to live.