Milford entered the Royal Horticultural Society East Midlands in Bloom competition again, as it has done for the past 5 years, and was judged on the 8th July 2026. This was the cumulation of a years work by Belper Town Council, Blooming Milford, Milford Social Club, The Old Bike Shop, The Holly Bush, Milford Community Greenspace and Bridge View Allotments tending their various areas in the village. Then in an intense 3 weeks before judging, these groups prepared and tidied their parts of the judging route , and an army of volunteers braved the heat and dust every night to tidy Chevin Road and the A6. Many thanks to all those involved – the village along the judging route looked lovely, as can be seen in the photos below, especially considering the intense heat and lack of rain at the time.
Milford Social Club
The Triangle
The Old Bike Shop
The A6
King William
The War Memorial
Hollyhocks on The Greenspace
Chris Ring Community Orchard
Community Garden at the bottom of Millers Way flats
Lavender Walk
Autumn Garden
The Holly Bush
The route this year was Milford Social Club – The Triangle community garden – drive to the War Memorial at the bottom of Hopping Hill – The Greenspace – Church Steps – public footpath from East Terrace to the Chris Ring Community Orchard in Bridge View Allotments – return to The War Memorial – drive to the ramp by the Derwentside office building on Millers Way – ramp down to riverside path – Autumn Garden – back up to the community garden at the bottom of the flats on Millers Way – drive to The Old Bike Shop on the A6 – drive to the Holly Bush – drive to The Social Club. This differs slightly from last year with less time being spent on the riverside path in order to make time to see Bridge View Allotments.
On 23rd September the results were finally announced at a presentation in Ockbrook School Hall in Derby, and for the 4th year in succession, Milford and Makeney won a Gold award!
In addition the judges can give discretionary Special Awards, and one was given to all the volunteers in Milford and Makeney, which was very heartening and well deserved, given the trying conditions.
Jill Thompson received a Gold award in the Best Front Garden competition for her stunning display on the front of the Old Bike Shop on the A6. The Holly Bush received a Silver Gilt award in the Best Pub competition and Milford Social Club a silver in the Best Commercial Premises competition.
Finally, the judges comments can be seen here.
Milford and Makeney GOLD AWARD Judged on 8th July 2026
