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2008 Britain in Bloom |
Whitehead Success at Britain in Bloom Awards (24th September 2008)
Whitehead is celebrating another horticultural success after achieving a Silver
Gilt award at the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards, the largest horticultural campaign
in Europe. The awards ceremony, attended by over 450 gardening enthusiasts
and community champions, was held on Wednesday 24th September 2008 at Chester
Race Course. TV gardener Chris Beardshaw, presenting the prizes to 69 finalist
communities, selected from over 1,000 competitors, with awards of Gold, Silver
Gilt, Silver or Bronze. A delegation representing the town at Chester Race
Course included Bill Pollock, Chairperson of Brighter Whitehead; Local Councillors
Alderman May Beattie and Councillor Isobel Day; and Stephen Daye and Matt Hunter from Carrickfergus Borough
Council's Parks and Countryside Service.
Alderman May Beattie said "This is the forth time Whitehead has represented Northern Ireland in the coastal towns category of Britain in Bloom. The Silver Gilt award is the town's highest achievement to date, having achieved a Bronze award last year and two Silver awards previously. We are also delighted to have been a finalist for the first time in two categories of the RHS Britain in Bloom Discretionary Awards. When Britain in Bloom judges Rodger Burnett and Rae Beckwith visited the town in August, they put us forward for a 'Conservation and Environment' award and a 'Local Roots' award."
Bill Pollock from Brighter Whitehead said "I am absolutely delighted
with this result. The Judges praised the enthusiasm from our town’s community
and said there were lots of positive initiatives, including the town’s bedding
plant displays, permanent landscaping, Railway Station and in particular the
work at Beach Road Nature Reserve and the One World Garden. Britain in
Bloom is a magnificent opportunity for Whitehead to enhance its surroundings
and create beautiful displays that are enjoyed by everybody. Our 'in bloom'
campaign is much more than flowers and making the town look good for one day;
it is a 365 day initiative than looks at sustainable development and biodiversity,
conservation and recycling, local environmental quality, permanent landscaping,
and public awareness of the environment. I would encourage everybody interested
in our campaign to visit the Brighter Whitehead website (www.brighterwhitehead.co.uk)
for further details on our campaign and how you can help us in 2009.
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer who also attended the ceremony said "This is a wonderful accolade for the community in Whitehead. It is the result of much hard work and no-one should underestimate the amount of effort which has gone into this campaign. Our successes could not have happened without the generous support of local businesses and local people and schools throughout the town; and statuary bodies such as Carrickfergus Borough Council, the Housing Executive and Department of Regional Development."
Roger Burnett Chair of the National RHS Britain in Bloom Judging panel said, "2008 has once again proved that the Britain in Bloom campaign recognises all that is great about Britain. Despite the poor summer weather the finalists proved beyond doubt just what can be achieved when communities work together. Britain in Bloom has, in the past, been seen as a floral competition, judged on the quality and quantity of hanging baskets and bedding plants. However with the recent shift towards sustainable planting and environmental responsibility, we are seeing fantastic innovation not only in style of planting but in the choice of plants used.”
RHS Director-General Inga Grimsey said, “Each year we are delighted by the entrants’ enthusiasm for Britain in Bloom and their commitment to improve local environments through creative and sustainable planting. Britain in Bloom clearly illustrates that despite reports of rising crime and social indifference, there are thousands of communities working to create safe, inclusive, positive environments for all to enjoy.”
Judgement Day for Whitehead
Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee said “The 13th August is Judgement Day for Whitehead as Britain in Bloom Judges arrive to adjudicate Whitehead. Carrickfergus Borough Council along with community groups, committed individuals, the Department of the Environment and Housing Executive have been busy doing their bit to brighten up the town and make it more attractive to local citizens and visitors alike. A huge horticultural operation has been going on and thousands of plants are being tended in Whitehead’s
acclaimed floral displays.
This year 20,000 floral plants and 150 hanging baskets have been distributed throughout the town by Carrickfergus Borough Council and local community groups, plus many more by enthusiastic individuals. In addition, summer floral displays have been placed throughout the town. Other features that may impress the judges include the sustainable perennial planting, water-saving peat-free floral containers, improvements to Beach Road Nature Reserve and a new ‘One World Garden’. Alderman May Beattie concluded
Stephen Daye, the Councils Parks & Countryside Development Officer said “Whitehead is renowned for its floral displays which are enjoyed by its residents and visitors alike, and play 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 Whitehead our 'In Bloom' activities are much more than planting bedding plants and making the town look good for one day. Instead it is a 365 day initiative that involves many people committed to making long tern sustainable improvements."
“The Judges are two highly-qualified horticulturalists Rodger Burnett & Rae Beckwith. They will be accompanied by Alderman May Beattie (Chairperson of Brighter Borough), Bob Pollock (Chairperson of Brighter Whitehead), Stephen Daye (Parks & Countryside Development Officer) and Matt Hunter (Parks & Countryside Operations Officer) in a Hyundai jeep supplied by Canon Motors, 57-70 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus. After judging Rodger Burnett & Rae Beckwith will meet the many groups that work in partnership with the Council including sponsors at a lunch reception at Whitehead Golf Club.”
“Rodger Burnett & Rae Beckwith will cover hundreds of miles to visit the 5 finalists in the coastal (population: 12,000 and below) category. Contrary to popular belief Britain in Bloom isn't just about flowers. The competition, run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), covers a range of issues including recycling, community participation and environmental cleanliness.” Ended Mr Daye
Keep in Touch with Carrickfergus in Bloom
To keep in touch with all Carrickfergus in Bloom activities, join our mailing list. To contact Carrickfergus in Bloom by e-mail click here or telephone 028 9335 8039.
The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative is organised by Carrickfergus Borough Council.
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Carrickfergus Borough Council developed the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative to brighten up the Borough,
to become a Borough of Flowers. Our objective is to make a Brighter Borough for the benefit of all citizens and visitors.
The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative includes the Borough towns of Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Eden and Greenisland.
Carrickfergus Borough is located in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
