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Carrickfergus in Bloom News |
Tallest Sunflower Competition
1st September is the last day applications will be accepted for the Carrickfergus in Bloom Tallest Sunflower Competition. Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of Parks, Countryside & Amenities Sub-Committee is asking those young gardening enthusiasts who have not filled in their application to do so before 1st September. "Carrickfergus Borough Council in April handed out Sunflower seeds to Carrickfergus Borough primary and secondary school children as part of the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative. We distributed application forms to each householder in the Borough and have been amazed by the number of applications and photos received to date, the competition is really catching the imagination of the public. Last year’s winner Sophie Montgomery aged 11 from Carrickfergus grew a sunflower of 3 meters 60cm. “
“Applicants for the Tallest Sunflower Competition are requested to measure their sunflower during the last week of August using a metric tape measure and complete the application form. Additional application forms are available from the Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre, Local Newspapers or from the Carrickfergus in Bloom website: www.carrickfergusinbloom.org. “The Carrickfergus in Bloom Children's Community Competitions have a total prize fund of £350. Other competitions include Poetry & Painting; entries for these competitions must be received by 30th September.”
"Everybody who lives within the Borough of Carrickfergus is invited to take part in Carrickfergus in Bloom as there is something for everyone. By entering you not only brighten up your own house but you also aid our borough's entry to the Ulster in Bloom & Britain in Bloom competitions." ended Alderman Beattie. The winners and runner-up will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the Town Hall in October to receive their certificates and prizes. Enter Here.
Carrickfergus Celebrates National Allotment Week
To celebrate National Allotment Week (9th to 15th August 2010) a Scarecrow competition was held at Eden Allotment Gardens on Saturday 7th August. The competition was won by Holy & Becky Disley – see photograph with Alderman May Beattie. Carrickfergus Borough Council is committed to improving the wellbeing for all the people of the Borough, through the services it provides, including our Allotment Service. We officially opened our first allotment site at Eden in 2008. What started as 36 plots has grown to 189 plots, Eden Allotment Gardens is now the largest allotment site in Ireland and Carrickfergus Borough Council is the top allotment provider in Northern Ireland supplying 38% of all plots in Northern Ireland.
Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks & Countryside Committee said "Eden Allotment Gardens has been a great success. With rising food prices, concern regarding the distance food travels and the ‘grow your own’ television programmes allotments throughout the UK are in demand. National Allotments Week is a great opportunity to highlight these issues. Allotment gardening can provide a number of benefits to individuals, such as the opportunity to produce a wide range of relatively inexpensive healthy vegetables, whilst at the same time providing physical exercise in the outdoors. It can create the opportunity to make new friends and provide the chance to socialise with others who enjoy a similar rewarding pastime."
"Allotments can provide a great sense of well-being and give pleasure and satisfaction to people who through their own skills and effort produce their own food and of course in addition allotments are also beneficial to the environment and wildlife generally. Owning an allotment could also mean cancelling that expensive gym subscription and having an alternative workout at your very own 'green gym'."
“With the recession and the upsurge in the need for land for people to grow their own food, we hope to encourage more allotment provision to satisfy local demand.” Concluded Alderman Beattie.
Get snap happy this summer in Carrickfergus Borough (21st July 2010)
“Are you a keen photographer? If so then there are two photography competitions that will interest you. Carrickfergus in Bloom’s Virtual Flower Show with a £450 prize fund and “Postcards from the Park” 2010, a national photography competition organised by parks charity GreenSpace with a £1000 prize fund. “The Virtual Flower Show is an opportunity for Carrickfergus Borough residents to show off their photographic and gardening skills in this internet based competition” said Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer. Borough residents are requested to submit before 21st August a favourite photograph taken during the last year, which fits one of the six categories:
My Garden
My Favourite Outdoor Plant
My Favourite Indoor Plant
My Favourite Landscape or Garden Setting
Flowers in their natural, wild setting
Flowers with pets or other animals
Entries may be submitted in jpeg format to the Virtual Flower Show website www.virtualflowershow.org. Enter the Virtual Flower Show before 21st August and you will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win an Olympus Digital Camera.
“Postcards from the Park” highlights the unique part that parks play in community life.” said Environmentalist and presenter, Chris Packham. "Parks are great places to take photos and there’ll be no problem finding loads of interesting subject matter, from wildlife to trees, and people having fun to detailed features on a bandstand or building. We are always impressed with the flair of photos we receive and I'm sure this year's entries will be even better." To enter “Postcards from the Park” visit www.postcardsfromthepark.org.uk.
Paul Bramhill, of GreenSpace, said: “Postcards from the Park is an excellent way for everyone to get out and about and enjoy their local public park. This competition has now become one of the highlights of the parks’ calendar and I am looking forward to seeing all the entries.”
For further information contact Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer at Carrickfergus Borough Council. T: (028) 93358039 or E: inbloom@carrickfergus.org.
Love Parks Week in Carrickfergus Borough (21st July 2010)
Love Parks Week 2010 will take place between Saturday 24th July and Sunday 1st August. We are asking as many people as possible to get into parks to join our campaign for continued investment and support for these valuable assets. Love Parks Week is an annual UK campaign, organised by parks charity GreenSpace. The campaign has been established as a major event that is celebrated in parks across the country. In Carrickfergus Borough we have a number of events.
Big Moth Hunt:
Date: Tuesday 27th July (7.30 to 9pm) & Venue: Eden Allotment Gardens, Beltoy Road, Eden. Join Catherine Bertrand from Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland and discover what moth species you can find at Eden Allotment Gardens, Beltoy Road, Eden. Fun FREE event for all. FREE Butterfly ID Chart for all participants. Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult. This event continues the following morning at 10am to ID what has been discovered.
Moth Identification Event:
Date: Wednesday 28th July (10am) & Venue: Eden Allotment Gardens, Beltoy Road, Eden. This follows on from the Big Moth Hunt on Tuesday 27th at Eden Allotment Gardens.
Big Butterfly Count
Date: Wednesday 28th July (11.30am to 1pm) & Venue: Bashfordsland Wood (Meet at Oakfield Community Centre). Join Catherine Bertrand from Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland and discover what species you can find at Bashfordsland Wood. Fun FREE event for all. FREE Butterfly ID Chart for all participants. Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Seashore Safari
Date: Saturday 31st July 2010 from 12 to 1.30pm & Meet at Blackhead Path Car Park, Whitehead. Flora and Fauna Rocks! Explore the flora, fauna and geology of Blackhead Path and shoreline. Visit the weird and wonderful habitat that exists along Blackhead Path with Geologist Ian Enlander from the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group and Botanist John Wann.
Would You Like An Event In Your Local Park? Then please contact us, see details below.
For further information please contact: Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer. Telephone: 028 9335 8039 ~ E-Mail: parks@carrickfergus.org . To visit the Love Parks Week Website go to: www.loveparksweek.org.uk.
Launch of Ulster in Bloom 2010 (17 June 2010)
The 2010 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition was launched in the natural surroundings of Castle Espie Wetland Centre, County Down. This year there are 130 entries representing councils, community groups and businesses as well as 36 bus and train stations. Supported by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), the awards are now in their 32nd year and continue to attract the very highest standards of plant and floral displays.
Speaking at the official launch, Translink Chairman Veronica Palmer said it is important that Northern Ireland continues to look after its unique living landscapes: “Our Ulster in Bloom participants play an important role in cities, towns and villages by not only creating beautiful plant and floral arrangements for local people and visitors to enjoy but also by supporting biodiversity; providing vital habitats for local wildlife to flourish and sustaining natural eco-systems. The exceptional standard of entries last year shows that Northern Ireland has a flair and passion for horticulture and we want to reward those individuals and organisations who make that extra effort to enhance their natural surroundings.”
President, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Councillor John Mathews said: “The Translink Ulster in Bloom competition has made, and continues to make a remarkable contribution to the improvement and enhancement of the villages, towns and cities across Northern Ireland. The competition was started back in 1979 by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, since then it has grown considerably, this year receiving 130 entries. It is my pleasure to congratulate and thank the participating councils, their staff and local residents for their interest, enthusiasm and horticultural contribution which further enhances the communities in which we live. NILGA members are very pleased to support this event and the sponsors. We will also continue to support councils as they recognise the value of supporting Ulster in Bloom. I wish all entrants every success”.
Board member, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Alistair McGowan said: “The Ulster in Bloom competition is an invaluable tool for attracting visitors; it also ensures that their stay in Northern Ireland is even more pleasant. If our visitors have an enjoyable and memorable time they will spread the good word. An increase in the ‘staycation’ trend shows how holidaymakers have decided to stay in Northern Ireland rather than travel abroad. Destinations at home are perfect for an affordable weekend away and families can enjoy days out at a wide range of Northern Ireland’s finest attractions, taking in many of the beautiful towns and villages which are adorned with flowerbeds, hanging baskets, trees and floral displays. All of the entrants should be proud of their hard work.”
Above photograph of event: Launch of Ulster in Bloom at Castle Espie in Comber on 17 June 2010: L-R Gregg Buchanan, Greenisland Environment and Heritage Group, Hannah Moore, Translink NI Railways – Carrick, John McCauley, Brighter Whitehead, Sandra Buchanan, Greenisland Environment and Heritage Group, Bill Pollock, Brighter Whitehead, Margaret Chambers, Brighter Whitehead, Cllr John Mathews, President, NILGA, Veronica Palmer, Chairman, Translink, Alistair McGowan, NITB Board member, Alderman May Beattie, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Frank Moore, Translink NI Railways Route Manager – Carrick, Stephen Daye, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Carolyn Stewart, Translink NI Railways.
Launch of Carrickfergus in Bloom 2010 (14 April 2010)
The Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee, Alderman May Beattie, launched the Carrickfergus in Bloom 2010 campaign in the grounds of the historic Andrew Jackson Cottage. School children from throughout Carrickfergus Borough and Community representatives also joined in to the sounds of the APEX Jazz Band. "Carrickfergus Borough Council is encouraging everyone who lives within the Borough of Carrickfergus to ‘do one more thing’ for Carrickfergus in Bloom. Whether you fill a hanging basket, enter one of the 10 competitions, plant a tree, grow some fruit and vegetables or put up bird box. There is something for everyone to do to make our Borough bloom this year.” said Alderman Beattie. "The Council will be planting thousands of summer and spring flowering plants, hundreds hanging baskets as well as thousands of spring flowering bulbs this year. Our tree-planting initiative and the continued reduction of bedding plants in favour of more permanent planting are the ways we are enhancing the environment and biodiversity of Carrickfergus Borough for today and for tomorrow." continued Alderman Beattie "We will again be organising the Borough-wide Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions. Local communities are encouraged to take part by entering the Best Kept Front Garden and Window Box Competitions. Allotment holders at Eden can enter the Best Kept Allotment Competition sponsored by Sunnybank Garden Centre. Children can take part in the Painting, Poetry, and Tallest Sunflower competitions. Local businesses will also be asked to participate by entering the Best Kept Shop and other Commercial premises section. And Web users and keen photographers can enter the Virtual Flower Show. continued Alderman Beattie “Carrickfergus Borough Council along with the Department of Environment, Housing Executive and various Community Groups are working together to improve the beauty of Carrickfergus with the use of flowers, colourful shrubs and trees. The significant improvements at the Marine Highway is an excellent example of partnership working." ended Alderman Beattie
Mayor of Carrickfergus joins ‘One Pot Pledge’ (14 April 2010)
The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Patricia McKinney unveiled her mini allotment in a pot and has taken up the ‘One Pot Pledge’. The Mayor will be growing vegetables, herbs and even strawberries at the Carrickfergus Civic Centre courtyard this summer. Alderman McKinney said "We want to encourage Carrickfergus Citizens to make the One Pot Pledge and sow, grow and harvest their own food for the very first time in 2010." "Growing food, even on a small scale in just a pot, gives people the chance to connect with the food they eat. As well as saving money and encouraging healthier eating, growing fruit and vegetables also helps people to make more sustainable food choices." "We are trying to promote growing your own food and vegetables, getting families and children involved and getting their hands dirty. It's a growing movement throughout the country and we're just hoping to encourage that within our Borough too." "Carrickfergus Borough has already an excellent track record at encouraging our citizens to grow their own. The Borough is the home of the largest allotment site in Ireland and we have successfully run the Carrickfergus School Growing Clubs initiative that encourages pupils to grow and eat fruit and vegetables in their school grounds." ended Alderman McKinney. The Mayor is not the only politician embracing the "grow your own" movement. David Cameron will be taking over Gordon Brown’s vegetable garden at Downing Street. Barack Obama has a herb and vegetable patch at the White House. And even the Queen has turned a corner of palace backyard into an allotment. To join the campaign, go to Carrickfergus in Bloom website, www.carrickfergusinbloom.org/onepotpledge.htm which features growing advice and tips." At the site you can follow the Mayor’s progress and even upload your own photographs to show how your own ‘One Pot Pledge’ is growing!
Make the One Pot Pledge and give growing your own a go (22nd March 2010)
Carrickfergus Borough Council is backing a nationwide campaign launched today by Garden Organic that will target a growing band of people that want to have a go at growing their own food for the first time. The campaign, the One Pot Pledge, aims to help gardening newcomers to grow an edible crop by using simple steps and clear advice to encourage and enthuse them. Stephen Daye, Parks and Countryside Development Officer said “We want to encourage Carrickfergus Citizens to make the One Pot Pledge and sow, grow and harvest their own food for the very first time in 2010. It is expected that 30,000 people throughout the UK will take the pledge.” “Growing food, even on a small scale in just a pot, gives people the chance to connect with the food they eat. As well as saving money and encouraging healthier eating, growing fruit and vegetables also helps people to make more sustainable food choices. Despite the surge in interest in ‘grow your own’ many newcomers, although keen to have a go, still don’t know where to start when it comes to food growing. Many are put off because they think they don’t have space to garden, or because they don’t have the time or knowledge. By encouraging people to start small with just one pot, the One Pot Pledge campaign aims to combat this, promising to make growing easy and successful. To join the campaign, go to The One Pot Pledge website, www.onepotpledge.org, which features everything from downloadable growing advice and tips.”
Keep in Touch
To keep in touch with all Carrickfergus in Bloom activities, join our mailing list: Click Here. 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.
