Carrickfergus in Bloom Winners Honoured at Prize-Giving

Community floral and artistic creativity was recognised by the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative organised by Carrickfergus Borough Council. The local ‘Best Kept’ competition winners and runners received their well earned certificates and prizes at a prize-giving lunch in Carrickfergus Town Hall today (Friday 31st October) with over 90 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.

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 1,230 people created some beautiful floral displays that we can all enjoy." said Alderman Beattie

“This year we have a great deal to celebrate, at the Britain in Bloom awards, the Borough received two silver gilt awards for Carrickfergus and Whitehead towns, our best result since the inception of the competition. We also received awards at Ulster in Bloom.”

“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 green gyms which 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

List of Winners: http://www.carrickfergusinbloom.org/newwinners.htm

Council thanks its Parks Staff

Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee hosted a lunchtime reception at Carrickfergus Town Hall on Friday 19th April 2013. The purpose was to say a big thank you to the Council’s Parks & Countryside team following the recent awarding of the Translink Ulster in Bloom ‘Roses in Towns’ Trophy. Last September it was announced that Carrickfergus Town had been award the Ulster in Bloom ‘Roses in Towns’ Trophy and at an award ceremony last month Council was presented with the beautiful crystal award. The Roses in Towns Trophy, is presented annually to the Council area with the best display of roses. Our rose displays on Belfast Road, impressed not only the Ulster in Bloom judges but the residents of the town also. To win this much coveted award; a big thanks must go to our loyal Parks & Countryside team for all their hard work yet again this year. The Parks and Countryside Team have made a significant contribution over many years to our beautiful blooming Borough. Our green spaces always look fantastic, not just when the ‘in bloom’ judges are visiting us, and is a real credit to all the Council staff involved."

Rose Award Success for Borough

Carrickfergus has been award the Translink Ulster in Bloom – Roses in Towns Trophy for 2012 at an award ceremony at Belfast Castle today. The Roses in Towns Trophy, is presented annually to the Council area with the best display of roses. The Borough also received the Best Station Award for Carrickfergus Rail & Bus Station and Best Community Rail Halt Award for Whitehead Rail Station.

Alderman May Beattie said "The three awards received today is recognition of the horticultural talent we have within the borough. Translink Ulster in Bloom is a great opportunity for our Borough to enhance its surroundings and create beautiful displays that are enjoyed by everybody. Our Borough is renowned for its floral displays which are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative also plays a critical role in bringing people and investment to the town. However, it's important to say that issues such as cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement are equally as important.

In the Borough, the 'In Bloom' initiative is much more than bedding plants and making the Borough look good for one day; instead it is a 365 day initiative. Carrickfergus Borough Council along with our partners have done a wonderful job in broadening the appeal of the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative, by getting people to work together we have made our Borough better. Our successes within Ulster in Bloom could not have happened without the generous support of local people, community groups, businesses and other statuary bodies. I would like to thank the Council’s Parks and Cleansing staff whose hard work and imagination has been the backbone of our entries over many years and I congratulate everyone who took part this year." Ended Alderman May Beattie

Carrickfergus in Bloom Winner Announced

Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee has announced the Carrickfergus in Bloom Competition Winners and Runners-up this morning for the Borough-wide Best Kept Awards.

At the Whitehead home of the Best Kept Garden winner Leslie Spearman, Alderman Beattie said “We are delighted to announce the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition Winners and Runners-up. Despite the dismal weather this year we have been impressed with the quality and diversity of the entrants that have entered. It has been an opportunity for me to see the wealth and variety of horticultural talent in our Borough.”

“Winners and runners-up will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the Town Hall in October to receive their certificates and prizes. At the ceremony we shall announce our plans for Carrickfergus in Bloom in the coming year. I would also like to thank the sponsors for supporting Carrickfergus in Bloom." ended Alderman Beattie

Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council and one of the judges commented "The quality of the entries this year has been impressive, the time and dedication many entrants spend in their gardens is a credit too them. Deciding on the winners is difficult and the marks can be very close, all who took part should be proud of their achievements." Please note Best Kept Painting & Poetry competitions are still open to enter visit www.carrickfergusinbloom.org/competitions.

 

Best Kept Garden

• Winner: Leslie Spearman from Whitehead
• Runner-Up: Deborah Walker from Carrickfergus
• Runner-Up: Georgie Brown from Carrickfergus
• Runner-Up: Nicola Porter from Carrickfergus

Best Kept Container Garden

• Winner: Marilyn Cairns from Carrickfergus
• Runner-Up: Annette Keith from Carrickfergus
• Runner-Up: Elizabeth Johnston from Eden
• Runner-Up: Chris Hamil from Whitehead

Best Kept Community Planting Scheme

• Winner: Carrickfergus Traders Association
• Runner-Up: Brighter Whitehead
• Runner-Up: Barn Court Children’s Home, Carrickfergus
• Runner-Up: Brooklands Drive Residents Association, Whitehead.

Best Commercial Premises

• Winner: The Courtyard, Carrickfergus.
• Runner-Up: Hairtopia, Whitehead.
• Runner-Up: Gary's, Carrickfergus.

Best Kept Café, Pub or Hotel

• Winner: Coffee & Cream, Whitehead.
• Runner-Up: Hillcrest Bed & Breakfast, Carrickfergus.
• Runner-Up: The Courtyard Coffee House, Carrickfergus.

Tallest Sunflower Competition

• Winner: Thomas & Harry Irwin from Carrickfergus
• Runner-Up: Laura Clugston & Roma Rajkumar from Carrickfergus
• Runner-Up: Sarah & Scott Alexander from Carrickfergus

'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

Ulster in Bloom Success for Carrickfergus Borough

Gardeners throughout Carrickfergus Borough are celebrating following the results announcement for the 2011 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition. The horticultural talents of our Borough were recognised at a ceremony in Ballymena with awards for Carrickfergus Town and Whitehead Railway Station.

Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer, who attended the award ceremony, said "After a summer of fierce competition and intensive judging, Carrickfergus received a second place in the Large Town Category. The Borough also was successful in the Community Rail Halt category with Whitehead receiving the third place. Translink Ulster in Bloom is a magnificent opportunity for our Borough to enhance its surroundings and create beautiful displays that are enjoyed by everybody. Our Borough is renowned for its floral displays which are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative also plays a critical role in bringing people and investment to the town. However, it's important to say that issues such as cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement are equally as important. In the Borough, the 'In Bloom' initiative is much more than bedding plants and making the Borough look good for one day; instead it is a 365 day initiative. Carrickfergus Borough Council along with our partners have done a wonderful job in broadening the appeal of the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative, by getting people to work together we have made our Borough better. Our successes within Ulster in Bloom could not have happened without the generous support of local businesses and local people throughout the Borough; and statuary bodies such as the Housing Executive and Department of Regional Development. I would like to personally thank all the staff at Carrickfergus Parks and Cleansing Sections whose hard work and imagination has been the backbone of our entry over the years and I congratulate everyone who took part this year."

John Trethowan, Chairman, Translink, said "With 127 entries from local councils, businesses and community groups as well as 21 bus and rail station entries, Translink Ulster in Bloom continues to attract high participation levels as people throughout Northern Ireland demonstrate their superb gardening talent. Participants have shown immense skill and creativity to ensure their areas are kept attractive. Their exquisite plant and floral displays can be enjoyed by both local people and tourists, making a positive lasting impression during their visit to Northern Ireland. While a number of category titles have been retained by several council areas, we have also seen a number of newcomers reach the top three placings. We hope these impressive displays will encourage even more people to get involved in Ulster in Bloom next year." said Mr. Trethowan.

Councillor Evelyne Robinson, President, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, said "As NILGA President, I welcome the opportunity to convey my appreciation and gratitude to the many councils, local ‘In Bloom’ committees, volunteers and supporters for all their hard work and countless dedication which all contribute to the ongoing success of the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition. I am especially pleased at NILGA’s support and our continual encouragement to councils in their entries. As a Councillor I recognise the improvement in my constituency area of Ballymoney, I am very conscious of the savings which can be achieved for rate-payers through involvement in the Competition. Careful husbandry and a feeling of ownership by the residents is very helpful in combating vandalism and the nuisance of anti - social behaviour, besides providing education through good example. A pleasant, attractive environment can also be very useful in encouraging tourists to visit, and in influencing potential investors to establish new businesses. Congratulations to the winners and yet again sincere thanks to the sponsors, judges, councils and all those who make the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition what it is today."

Martyn Todd, board member, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said "We are proud to offer continued support to Ulster in Bloom and commend the enthusiastic efforts and hard work of all the entrants. This competition plays an important role in making Northern Ireland a must see destination by bringing colour and vibrancy to our towns and villages which makes local areas appealing to both domestic and international visitors. And in creating such attractive townscapes, it also engenders a source of civic pride. The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is organised by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association with the support of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board."

Carrickfergus in Bloom Garden Winners Announced

Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee has announced the Carrickfergus in Bloom Competition Winners and Runners-up this morning for the Borough-wide Best Kept Awards.

At the home of the Best Kept Garden winner Shelia Johnston, Alderman Beattie said “We are delighted to announce the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition Winners and Runners-up. We are thrilled with the response from those taking part and impressed with the quality and diversity of the entrants. It has been an opportunity for me to see the wealth and variety of horticultural talent in our community.”

“Winners and runners-up will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the Town Hall in October to receive their certificates and prizes. At the ceremony we shall announce our plans for Carrickfergus in Bloom in the coming year. I would also like to thank the sponsors for supporting Carrickfergus in Bloom." ended Alderman Beattie.

Sephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council and one of the judges commented "We where very impressed by the number of high quality entries this year, the time and dedication many entrants spend in their gardens is a credit too them. Deciding on a winner was very difficult for some categories; however all who took part should be proud of their achievements."

Best Kept Garden
Winner: Shelia Johnston, Carrickfergus (Pictured Above)
Runner-Up: Leslie Spearman, Whitehead
Runner-Up: Eddie Polland, Whitehead
Runner-Up: John O’Neill, Carrickfergus

Best Kept Container Garden
Winner: Christopher Betts, Carrickfergus
Runner-Up: Ruth Hickey, Carrickfergus
Runner-Up: Robert Welch, Eden
Runner-Up: Bill Johnston, Carrickfergus

Best Kept Community Planting Scheme
Winner: Charles Sheils Charity
Runner-Up: Brighter Whitehead
Runner-Up: Greenisland Environmental & Heritage Group
Runner-Up: Barn Court Children’s Home

Best Kept Commercial Premises
Winner: McMasters Butchers, Whitehead.
Runner-Up: Northern Bank Limited, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: DeCourcy Centre, Carrickfergus.

Best Kept Cafe, Pub or Hotel
Winner: The Old Tea House, Whitehead.
Runner-Up: Brewers Fayre, Carrickfergus.
Runner-Up: Hillcrest, Carrickfergus.