Competition Details May 2004

The rules of the competition allow for class winners to enter the Champions Class for the next seven years. So, Blacko is now in the big league! However, this means being up against some of the prettiest villages, but it's a best-kept, not prettiest competition. Nevertheless, there's still a lot of hard work to be done, and, this year, a number of residents have been invited personally to adopt an area near to their homes. The response has been tremendous.

As part of the competition, Certificates of Merit are awarded, and Blacko has entered the village shop, the war memorial, the chapel, the school, the recreation ground, the WI garden, the Rising Sun and a couple of farms. Of course, it's the houses that make an impact, as well, and, as an added incentive, there is to be a Blacko Frontage Competition. All houses in the village will be judged in June, so those without gardens, but with displays of pots and window boxes can win. Reedley Nurseries and the Blacko Gardening Club have kindly agreed to sponsor the prizes.

For more information about how you can help, please contact Peter Hesketh, the Chairman of the Parish Council, whose address is in the Parish Council section.

In 2002, Blacko won the Small Villages Class of the Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition, the first time since the mid-70s. The whole village pulled together, and those efforts are not just evident still, but being built upon.

Although not winning the Champions Class of the 2004 Best Kept Village Competition, Blacko has done well by coming third, and being highly commended. A lot of effort has gone into the competition this year, helped by the "Adopt a Spot" initiative. Chairman of the Parish Council, Peter Hesketh, thanks all involved. "The whole village has worked so hard, as always, and Blacko looks a treat. On behalf of the Parish Council, I'd like to thank everyone. We live in a beautiful area, reflected by the appearance of our parish", he adds.

In the Certificate of Merit Section, the Rising Sun Inn was highly commended, as was Burnt House Farm. Also entered in this section were the school, the chapel, the Post Office and another farm, all of which made a great effort.

With the Hollin Fold development due for completion by the time of next year's competition, Blacko stands a good chance of winning the hard fought for Champions Class.

FRONTAGE COMPETITION.

As an incentive towards the Best Kept Village Competition, every household in the judging area (the village core) was entered automatically in a Frontage Competition, sponsored by Reedley Nurseries, Blacko Gardening Club and the Parish Council. Judged by Reedley Nurseries, it was split into two classes, large houses and smaller ones. Winner of the large house section was Edna Ashworth of Beverley Road, with Jean Kippax, also of Beverley Road, runner-up, whilst Stephen and Lynn Halstead won the small section, with Ian and Alison McDonald runners up. Both families live on Gisburn Road.

The judges were greatly impressed by the high standard of front gardens, and had a hard job in reaching a decision.

BEST KEPT VILLAGE SUCCESS FOR BLACKO in 2004

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION 2004