Friday, 20 May 2011

Launch of Carrickfergus in Bloom 2011

This lunchtime the Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Jim McClurg, will be launching Carrickfergus in Bloom 2011 in the grounds of the Andrew Jackson Cottage. School children from throughout Carrickfergus Borough and Community representatives will also be joining the Mayor.

Alderman Jim McClurg said “This year we are continuing with the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition. Categories include Best Kept Garden for individuals; For children we have Painting and Poetry Competitions and the very popular Tallest Sunflower Competition. For the Business Community we have hotly fought categories such as Best Kept Shop. And for those interested in showing off their gardening and photography skills we have the Virtual Flower Show. All these competitions have not only brightened-up our Borough but have been fundamental to our success in Ulster in Bloom. Let’s make 2011 another winning years for Carrickfergus Borough.”

The Mayor also announced that in the next few weeks the Council will plant out thousands of summer bedding plants and thanked the many sponsors for their generous support and commitment to the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative. He also thanked the local schools who have shown such commitment to the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative. “The Schools Growing Club initiative is a great success and young people throughout the Borough are already benefiting with the link between healthy eating and growing fruit and vegetables at home and school. The growing schools initiative offers students the benefit of practical hands on activities, helping to motivate and enhance their learning experience.”

The Mayor continued “In 2011 we will continue with the Carrickfergus in Bloom campaigns of promoting capacity building through our grants initiative; we will also be encouraging wildlife gardening thought the Blooming Wild campaign; as well as the food growing campaign with initiatives such as the One Pot Pledge.”

“Fruit and vegetable growing is also taking place at Eden Allotment Gardens. Since the launch in 2008 the allotments have expanded to become the largest allotment site in Ireland. We thank Sunnybank Garden Centre for continuing their support of the Best Kept Allotment Competition.”

The Mayor also highlighted the important partnership working that is carried out. “Carrickfergus Borough Council along with the Department of Environment, Housing Executive plus various community and charitable groups are working together to improve the environment of Carrickfergus Borough. The significant improvements at Bashfordsland Wood is an excellent example of partnership working that involved many organisations." ended Alderman McClurg

Representatives from Brighter Whitehead

Councillor May Beattie with Stewart Bradshaw and pupils from Carrickfergus Grammar

Monday, 2 May 2011

Listen Again to Gardeners' Question Time in Carrickfergus

If you missed the broadcast of Gardeners' Question Time in Carrickfergus or just want to listen again just click the link below. The website also has some photographs of the event.

Link to BBC Gardeners' Question Time website

Eric Robson in Carrickfergus