Jubilee Theme to Launch of Carrickfergus in Bloom

On Friday lunchtime Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside & Amenities sub-committee will launch Carrickfergus in Bloom 2012 in the grounds of the Andrew Jackson Cottage. School children from throughout Carrickfergus Borough and Community representatives will also be joining in to the sounds of the APEX Jazz Band.

Alderman Beattie said "In this Jubilee year we have just completed Northern Ireland's only 'Diamond Jubilee Wood' in Whitehead. Over 60 acres of new woodland has been created and we will be holding a host of opportunities to celebrate this unique piece of green space."

Alderman Beattie continued "We are also continuing with the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition. Categories include Best Kept Garden for individuals; For young people 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 this Jubilee year a winning years for Carrickfergus Borough."

Alderman Beattie also announced that in the next few weeks the Council will plant out thousands of summer bedding plants, many with a Jubilee theme, and thanked the many sponsors for their generous support and commitment to the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative. She 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."

Alderman Beattie continued "In 2012 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."

Alderman Beattie 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 Beattie