Garden celebrating Lancashire’s textile industry blooms bronze

A garden showcasing the materials used by Lancashire's textile industry to produce cloth has won a prestigious award at the recent RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.

The 'Field to Fabric' feature garden won a bronze medal in the respected Show Gardens category.

The display was created as part of a Lancashire museums project in partnership with the Workers' Educational Association (WEA).

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said: "I'm delighted that the RHS judges awarded the garden a bronze medal.

"The judges praised many elements of the garden, including its design, concept and overall impression.

"I'm pleased that it has transferred to Lancashire so it can be enjoyed by more people."

The garden recently transferred to Helmshore Mills Textile Museum and will be followed by a celebration event on Sunday 1 August from 1pm to 3pm.

The project is financed by a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) award of £53,600.

There will be a varied events programme to support the garden including craft activities for the family, talks and an art workshop for adults.

Although the feature garden is free to visit, admission to Helmshore Mills Textile Museum is £4 for adults and £3 for concessions. Accompanied children go free.

Car parking is free and Helmshore Mills Textile Museum is fully accessible for disabled visitors, including people with guide dogs.

For more information about the garden, or the events programme, telephone 01706 226459 or email [email protected]

More information about Helmshore Mills Textile Museum and other Lancashire County Council museums is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum is run by Lancashire County Council's museum service.