Britain In Bloom

Our walk today started from the village of Addingham, Nr Ilkley.
Weather dull when we set off but the sun came out later and got quite hot. Fortunately there was a nice breeze which kept us cool.

I have driven through this village many times, but not walked round, and hadn't realised what a lovely place it was, with a lot of history.
Some lovely old cottages, and also a Piece Hall where the weavers used to bring their cloth to be sold.

What really caught my eye were the lovely public gardens which were beautifully kept.
I then learnt that these are all looked after by Addingham Garden Friends. A group of volunteers who help maintain the village green open spaces and public gardens, in conjunction with Bradford M.D.Council, and Addingham Parish Council. They have a planning meeting once a month, and once a month working parties tend the gardens and at other times when required.
Last year the village was awarded a top Gold award and placed first in category in the Yorkshire In Bloom Competition.
Because of this success they were invited to represent Yorkshire in the national Britain In Bloom 2012. Competing with similar size villages from all over the UK from the Channel Isles to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Britain in Bloom competition is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and their judges will be visiting Addingham on the 2nd August, to judge the gardens and the whole village prior to the prize giving later in the year in Guernsey.

I wish them lots of luck, and hope the weather is as nice as it was today.

These are just a few of the gardens in this collage. I wonder what you think?
I would definitely give them Ist prize, but as being a Yorkshire lass I am a bit biased!

We had another lovely walk up the Roman Road to Draughton, and back along the Dalesway by the river.(7 miles)
Finished with home made tea and cakes at the church hall!

Hope you have all had a good weekend.

Forgot to say very well done to Bradley Wiggins, also Mark Cavendish, and Chris Froome. Watched it on Sky Plus when we got home. Great day for British Sport!