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Just a note to remind everyone that Kippax will be judged on Tuesday 8th
April at 2.30pm in the Spring round of the 'Yorkshire in Bloom' Competition
2003, Please could everyone play their part in keeping the village looking at
its best by taking a pride in the gardens and picking any litter up. Good
luck on the day.

Regards Richard Gill, Leeds Horticultural & Floral Initiatives Officer


Volunteers of Kippax in Bloom have already done so much throughout the village, and now we are pleased to announce that we have our very own Gateway Stones at all 4 main entrances to the village, but that's not all! - keep your eyes peeled as you go around the village for the sites that have been improved and work that is still going on. There is still lots to be done, but with time and your help & support Kippax will be a far prettier place. e-mail the Webmaster with your details and we will be in touch with further details of how YOU can help make Kippax a brighter place! Don't forget to read the Judges Comments while you're on this page. See also Derek has done it!

This corner by the Hermitage has been brightened up with the positioning of Floral planters to provide a burst of colour



A brilliant mosaic of Cornfield wildflowers - gold, blue, red and white - which delights the eye from a considerable distance.



The side of the Crosshills Fisheries where volunteers have created a raised bed of plants to beautify this little corner.

 

Floral baskets provide a stunning display outside the Co-Op on High Street.

This is what Kippax in Bloom is all about! The volunteers on Sundays have transformed the Crosshills site to an outstanding showpiece.

 

Recognise the face? Yes it's our very own 'Smilin' Pat Samy together with the Look North presenter for BBC TV


The Crosshills site after completion. What a splendid achievement by our own village volunteers. You can join in by offering your help. Contact us now!


Volunteers receiving the Certificate of Merit from Leeds In Bloom.
Lots of familiar faces here!

Derek has done it at last!

Derek Stevenson

Keen local gardener Derek Stevenson has finally won the Premier award for the whole City of Leeds in the Leeds in Bloom competetion. Derek, a retired driving instructor from Kippax, has won the ward prize for Best Small Garden on 7 previous occasions. Mr Stevenson said: "I have always wanted the big one and this year I have done it."
Mr Stevenson came to Kippax 22 years ago and knew nothing about gardening, "We moved into a new bungalow and I thought I'd better learn. At the time I was doing a lot of fishing, but gradually the gardening took over. I really enjoy it and now grow all my own plants."
His large garden at the rear of the house has a shaped lawn, conifer bed, two flower beds and a pond, while the front has scree beds. There are also window boxes and hanging baskets around the house.
Mr Stevenson said: "I probably spend 10-12 hours a week in the garden. If you keep up to it you don't have to spend as much time as people think. It doesn't have to be big chore."
© Article reproduced by kind permission of YPN

Judges Comments
Kippax Gibson Lane Total Marks 171
From a disused roadside allotment, the Kippax in Bloom team, in their first year of the competition, have produced a brilliant mosaic of Cornfield wildflowers - gold, blue, red and white - which delights the eye from a considerable distance as you approach. At the entrance gate display boards explain the features of the site and the planting, and a sown grass path leads you through and around the site and back to the start. Volunteer labour and the work of schoolchildren has been used to great effect. Future plans include the provision of bird and bat boxes and a floral rear boundary hedge. If this standard is maintained Kippax will be a most welcome new contender in the competition.

Kippax Village Total Marks 168
For a first time entry this was exactly what the judges wanted to see. Enthusiastic committee well planned route and excellent information pack. Small pockets of planting both permanent and temporary throughout Kippax have helped transform previously overgrown areas. With over 20 volunteers meeting every Sunday to transform little corners of this community, and the work being greatly appreciated by residents. Excellent wildflower planting, and school pond worthy of visits. Hanging baskets throughout the route - both Council and private to a good standard. An excellent effort by everyone involved and we look forward to visiting Kippax again in the future.

Re: Judges Comments
The Gibson Lane wildflower meadow took 1st Prize in the self-contained wildflower garden section of the competition; photos of some of the areas are on display in the shop next door to Kevin's The Hairdressers on the High Street. The results of the competition and the comments and thanks from local people have been very encouraging. The group is continuing its efforts every Sunday morning, so if you fancy helping them in any way please contact Pat Samy on 0113 2862283 or Kevin Higgins on 0113 2320313, or call in to Pat's or Kevin's shops on the High Street.