'in Bloom' winners honoured at prize-giving

Christine Harper with Mayor of Carrickfergus, Jim McClurg

Floral creativity has once again been recognised by the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative organised by Carrickfergus Borough Council. Local competition winners and runners-up will receive their well earned certificates and prizes at a prize-giving lunch in Carrickfergus Town Hall today (Friday 21st October 2011) with over 100 people attending the event.

Competition categories included Best Kept Garden & Best Kept Container Garden for householders; Best Kept Commercial Premises for commercial organisations; Painting, Poetry and Tallest Sunflower Competitions for young people; and for internet users we have the Virtual Flower Show.

At the Lunch, the Chairperson of Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee, Alderman May Beattie thanked all those who took part in the competition and made it such a success. "The Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions have really caught the imagination of our Boroughs citizens. This year over 1,850 people battled the wet summer weather and economic downturn to create some beautiful colourful floral displays that we can all enjoy." said Alderman Beattie

"Carrickfergus in Bloom is a beacon of community gardening good practice, as it encourages people to get involved, builds community spirit and improves the environment we all live in. With initiatives such as our school growing clubs and one pot pledge create opportunities for health, wellbeing and learning."

Alderman Beattie also thanked the Competition Sponsors who paid for many of the flowerbeds and hanging baskets throughout the Borough. "The success of Carrickfergus in Bloom could not have happened without the generous support of local businesses throughout the Borough of Carrickfergus."

"We would also thank our partners that have made Carrickfergus in Bloom such a success. Conservation Volunteers, The Woodland Trust, Translink, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Department of Regional Development and many others have all helped to improve the environment of Carrickfergus Borough this year“. Ended Alderman Beattie

Link to Carrickfergus in Bloom Prize Winners

Painting & Poetry Competition Winners Announced

Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee has announced the winners and runners-up (list enclosed) of the Carrickfergus in Bloom Children’s Painting & Poetry Competitions.

Alderman Beattie said "We are delighted to announce the Carrickfergus in Bloom Children's Painting & Poetry Competition Winners and Runners-up. The response from our young people has been extraordinary with hundreds of entries to judge. I am thrilled about the quality and diversity of the entrants. It has been an opportunity for me to see the wealth and variety of artistic talent in our community. Winners and runners-up will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the end of October in Carrickfergus Town Hall to receive their certificates and prizes."

Children’s Painting Competition 15 and under
Winner: Anna Gorrod, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: Chloe Matheson, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: Eve Bankhead, Carrickfergus.

Children’s Painting Competition 10 and under
Winner: Sophie Creighton, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: Amy Milnes, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: Billy-Jo McClure, Carrickfergus.

Children’s Poetry Competition
Winner: Kathryn Howard, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: William Clarke, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: Olivia Moore, Carrickfergus.

All winners listed at http://www.carrickfergusinbloom.org/newwinners.htm