Carrickfergus in Bloom News for 2009
Eden set for People's Millions Vote (9th November 2009)
Eden Allotment Gardens is a finalist for this year's The People's Millions. Voting for the project will commence on 25 November. The £46,676 project will develop a community fruit and vegetable growing project at Eden Allotment Gardens in Carrickfergus, including a demonstration garden and on-site horticultural training room which will involve local people in growing their own food and build links to local communities, encouraging cross-community working. The project will principally involve people from deprived communities in the wards of Northland, Sunnylands, Clipperstown and Love Lane in Carrickfergus and will also involve people with physical and mental health difficulties. The impact of the project will include improved community relations and reduced tension, increased knowledge about diet and healthy eating, increased skills and employability and reduced stress and improved mental health. Local community groups have been approached and have expressed an interest in being involved in the project. To help Growing Communities in Carrickfergus win funding you must vote by phone between 9am and midnight on 25 Nov 2009. The voting phone number will be advertised here and in the Daily Mirror on the day. A short video about this project and the competing project will also be shown on the ITV regional news between 6.00pm and 6.30pm. Remember the Voting Date: 25 November 2009 (9am-midnight). Further information available at People's Millions Website.
Is yours a Whopper? Enter the Giant Pumpkin Contest (5th October 2009)
Can you grow the heaviest pumpkin? That’s the question being posed to all children aged 15 and under who live in the Borough of Carrickfergus. The annual Giant Pumpkin Competition is being judged this month and those interested in entering must complete their applications by 20th October. To obtain an application form or for further information telephone 028 9335 8039 or visit the Carrickfergus in Bloom website at www.carrickfergusinbloom.org
"The annual Giant Pumpkin Competition is a fantastic opportunity for children of the Borough to grow a pumpkin from seed and to learn more about gardening techniques and hopefully encourage them to eat their giant creations. In March we distributed 2000 packets of pumpkin seeds to children throughout the Borough and we look forward to receiving many applications.”
"The Giant Pumpkin Competition is part of the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions which have a total prize fund of over £1200. 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 Translink Ulster 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. Visit our pumpkin website.
Children’s Painting & Poetry Competition Winners Announced (5th October 2009)
Today Alderman May Beattie announced the winners and runners-up 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. I am thrilled with the response from those taking part and am really excited 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: Gemma Martin from Greenisland (painting enclosed);
Runner-Up: Anna Gorrod from Carrickfergus;
Runner-Up: Lauren Finlay from Carrickfergus. Children’s Painting Competition 10 and under Winner: Meghan Reid from Carrickfergus;
Runner-Up: Matthew Logan from Carrickfergus;
Runner-Up: Jade Halliday from Carrickfergus. Poetry Competition Winner: Emma Baird from Carrickfergus;
Runner-Up: Peter Mitchell from Carrickfergus;
Runner-Up: Noel Hartley from Greenisland. To view Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition Winners and Runners-up click here
Virtual Flower Show Winners Announced (2nd October 2009)
The winners of the Virtual Flower Show have been announced by Chairperson of the Parks Committee, Alderman May Beattie. Alderman May Beattie said "The Virtual Flower Show organised by Carrickfergus in Bloom is an excellent opportunity for Carrickfergus Borough residents to show off their photographic and gardening skills in this internet based competition. The winning photographs can be viewed at www.virtualflowershow.org. 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. To encourage people to enter the Virtual Flower Show we ran a free prize draw to win a Digital Camera. The winner was Jim Stothers from Greenisland see enclosed photograph." The Virtual Flower Show with a £450 prize fund is the only online competition for gardener and keen photographer to show off their skills. Judging was by popular vote from members of the general public. The winners and runners-up are listed on the virtual flower show winners webpage.
Eden Green Heroes Win Award (24 September 2009)
The Garden of Eden allotment project has won the title of “BTCV Project of the Year” in the Green Heroes Awards in association with Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland. The Garden of Eden project has been running for almost a year at the Eden allotment site outside Carrickfergus. The group work weekly on the site to produce their own vegetables and have received training in a range of organic horticultural skills. The project consists of a group of volunteers from two local charities; Mindwise and the Drug and Rehabilitation Centre.
The group were nominated for the award by the project co-ordinator Helen Tomb, “The team worked really hard on the project from the start, and have produced fantastic results in such a short time.”
The Green Heroes Awards are given out in recognition of the outstanding work volunteers of all ages do across Northern Ireland to improve their local environment. The project was up against other projects from across Northern Ireland in the category to win the title of “Project of the year.”
The project has improved the physical abilities of those involved by providing a means for gentle exercise and improving their mental health. The group grow local organic produce which they can take home and they now have a good appreciation of the benefits of eating organically where possible.
The group has also recently won 1st prize in the Garden Gourmet competition for their Brussel Sprouts. The annual show displays thousands of colourful prize blooms alongside amazing monster-size vegetables and other horticultural cuties from local gardens, allotments and greenhouses.
The project would not have been possible without the funding from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the huge continuous support from Carrickfergus Borough Council.
Carrickfergus in Bloom Tallest Sunflower Competition Winners Announced (14 September 2009)
The winner and runners-up of the Carrickfergus in Bloom Tallest Sunflower Competition have been announced today. The winner: Sophie Montgomery aged 11 from Carrickfergus whose sunflower grew to a massive 3 meters 60cm. The runners-up are Jenny Mitchell aged 8 from Carrickfergus whose sunflower grew to 3 meters 40cm & Emily Turner aged from Carrickfergus whose sunflower grew to 2 meters 93cm. Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Officer explained “Carrickfergus Borough Council distributed in March, two thousand packets of Sunflower seeds to local school children as part of the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative. After months of tender loving care by the young people it’s great to see the end results. The time and dedication many entrants spend on tending their sunflowers is extraordinary and is a credit too them."
To view Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition Winners and Runners-up click here
Winners Announced for Community Garden Competition (14 September 2009)
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 Best Kept Garden, Best Kept Container Garden and Best Kept Community Planting Scheme.
Alderman Beattie said “We are delighted to announce the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition Winners and Runners-up. I am thrilled with the response from those taking part and am really excited about 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
Stephen 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."
To view Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competition Winners and Runners-up click here
Ulster in Bloom 2009 Winners Announced (10 September 2009)
The results of months of planting and pruning were recognised as the winners of the 31st Translink Ulster in Bloom competition were announced at the historic Magheramorne House near Larne.
After a summer of fierce competition and intensive judging, Whitehead received a second place in the small town category. The Borough also dominated the Community Rail Halt category with Whitehead receiving the first place and Greenisland receiving the third place position. McMaster Home Farm Meats, a local business in Whitehead was also recognised in the Special Awards’ category for their beautiful floral and plant presentations.
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer, who attended the award ceremony, said “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.”
Speaking at the event Translink Chairman, Mrs Veronica Palmer OBE said, “Ulster in Bloom provides communities with an opportunity to showcase their best floral and plant displays for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors to Northern Ireland. The competition’s continued appeal is testament to the important role it plays in both local economic and social prosperity. Even with our challenging weather conditions, the quality of entries has continued to excel as people devote more time and creativity to produce such exquisite results.”
Cllr Helen Quigley, President, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, said As President, I am delighted to convey my appreciation and thanks to all who are involved and contribute to the ongoing success of Translink Ulster in Bloom, one can’t avoid noticing the many attractive roundabouts and floral features across the country, all of which present a feast for our eyes. A well maintained place makes a statement about ourselves as residents and how we live. A pleasant, attractive environment can also be very useful in encouraging tourists to visit, and in influencing potential investors to establish new businesses here.”
In closing, Cllr Quigley said “Congratulations to the winners and again sincere thanks to the sponsors, judges, Councils and all those who make the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition what it is today.
Clive Gordon, Board Member, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said: “Ulster in Bloom has succeeded in bringing community groups together, working to create attractive townscapes and building a sense of civic pride. We can see this in the many floral displays, trees and hanging baskets which bring colour to our streets, welcoming residents and visitors alike.
“This year we were delighted to see a huge increase in visitor numbers from the Republic of Ireland. Between January and March holiday trips doubled compared to the same period in 2008, worth an impressive £14.3 million to the local economy. As we welcome more visitors it is important that we all focus on delivering the best possible visitor experience and Ulster in bloom has played its own part in helping to attract visitors to our towns and villages for over 30 years.”
National Allotments Week (10 to 16 August 2009)
To celebrating National Allotments Week, Carrickfergus Borough Council and Eden Allotment Holders Association are holding a Family Fun Day on Saturday 8th August, from 12 noon to 4pm. 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 allotment site in Eden last year. What started as 36 plots has grown to 189 plots, Eden Allotment Gardens is now the largest allotment site in 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.” Alderman Beattie continued “The Family Fun Day will include a scarecrow competition, children’s games, face painting, plant and craft sales, a petting farm and a vegetable juggler. Throughout the week we will be holding open days that includes gardening demonstrations and launching our ‘Allotment Watch’ initiative.”
Local MP & MLA, Sammy Wilson who is attending the Family Fun Day said “I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with local Allotmenteer’s at Eden Allotment Gardens. This is an issue that is important for many people in the constituency, which has been demonstrated by the fact that although we have 189 allotments in Carrickfergus Borough, there is still a waiting list for those who wish to have an allotment. Not only is it a great hobby for people, but it is good for their health as it gives them the opportunity to get outside and it is of course a form of exercise. It is also cheaper for people to grow their own food so there is that added advantage as well which has become more important for many during the recession. I am looking forward to the Fun Day and see the benefits of allotments for myself. I want to commend Carrickfergus Borough Council for their far-seeing approach to allotments. Their hard work has meant that we have almost 200 allotments and I hope that this will increase so that more people will be able to have the opportunity to have their own allotment.”
Further Information on our family fun day.
Further Information on our Scarecrow Competition.
UN World Environment Day (Friday 5 June)
Green gardeners have a carbon footprint a third smaller than regular gardeners, which is why Carrickfergus Borough Council is urging more of us to ‘go green’ in the garden for UN World Environment Day (Friday 5 June). Adopting a ‘Green approach’ to the way we garden could massively contribute to protecting the planet for generations to come. On Friday 5th June, the Council hopes more of us will look at how we can be greener in our gardens, for the sake of the environment and the biodiversity of plants and animals.
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council said "On UN World Environment Day, we hope to inspire people to go green in the garden and in doing so, we hope to raise awareness of how growing and gardening in a green way can help to protect our planet. This year’s Carrickfergus in Bloom theme is ‘Blooming Wild’. Blooming Wild! is a campaign to encourage people ‘to go green and do one more thing for wildlife’ in their gardens. The campaign recognises that our local wildlife habitats are increasingly under threat and that every garden, big or small, is a potential mini nature reserve. From small simple changes such as putting up a nest box to larger projects such as building a wildlife pond - any action taken will benefit local garden wildlife. The Blooming Wild! Campaign wants to increase local knowledge of the issues relating to biodiversity and sustainability within the Borough and we have a number of initiatives that will help individual householders to ‘do one more thing’ for wildlife. For further information and loads of ‘Blooming Wild’ tips click here
Model Pupils Celebrate School Grounds (03 June 2009)
Pupils from Model Primary School are celebrating National School Grounds Week (8th - 12th June 2009) claiming that their school vegetable garden is one of the best ways to get them more active. The Model pupils are embracing the Change4Life theme of ‘Eat Well, Move More & Live longer’
Nine out of 10 children today could grow up dangerously overweight, exposing themselves to life-threatening diseases like cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A key message for the high profile Change4Life theme is that children need “60 Active Minutes” every day. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advices the government on health issues, states that the recommended 60 minutes may be achieved through several short bursts of 10 minutes or more.
Alderman Beattie said "Carrickfergus Borough Council is an enthusiastic supporter of the outdoors as an educational environment and recognises the vital opportunities for learning and discovery offered by school grounds. School grounds give children valuable opportunities for playing and learning, and we are committed to helping schools make the most of the outdoors with our Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative 'Carrickfergus Schools Growing Clubs'. The initiative provides schools in the Borough with grants to set up or improving an existing gardening club and linking this with a healthier eating and lifestyle message to pupils. Carrickfergus Schools Growing Clubs gives pupils the opportunity to plan, sow, tend and harvest a range of fruits and vegetables at school. It extends pupils' understanding of food chain issues by bringing the process directly under their control. Whether the club is run as part of the formal school curriculum, or as an extra-curricular activity, it should be seen as a vital teaching and learning experience for pupils. The Growing Club also makes use of the school grounds, which are additional learning spaces at school. It provides an area of interest for the entire school community and can be shown to guests and visitors as a key feature of the school. In addition, it provides an ideal vehicle to promote healthier eating and drinking messages for pupils. In time, the Growing Club will also produce a number of crops which can be eaten in school, perhaps in the school tuck shop or cookery club.” continued Alderman Beattie
Headmaster of Model Primary School, Mr Gary Hanley said “Education today within the bounds of the revised curriculum places upon schools the responsibility to provide learning opportunities which provide key messages for healthy living and the skills to be successful in attaining these. Sport is the staple provision for physical activity across schools but for those who are not keen on sport the activity of the growing club has in my experience provided an enjoyable alternative. There is an enthusiasm shown for growing club activities. Children love the idea of creating new growth and have a fascination with the earth and what they happen to turn up on their spades! Harvesting the crops is a very exciting time and to see the produce end up on their own tables and in the school canteen completes the circle for them. From there they have a beginning on which they can continue on into life.” concluded Mr Hanley
Catherine Andrews, Chief Executive of Learning through Landscapes, the charity behind National School Grounds Week, says, “Whilst parents need to support their children to lead more active lifestyles, schools also have a role to play. Formal PE lessons are one answer, but they are not the only opportunity to get children on the move. Getting children more active can also make a make a major contribution to ensuring that they take their recommended daily exercise.”
Launch of Scarecrow Competition (12 May 2009)
To celebrate National Allotment Week Carrickfergus Borough Council is running a ‘Scarecrow Competition’ sponsored by Sunnybank Garden Centre at our Family Fun Day at Eden Allotment Gardens on Saturday 8th August 2009. Your scarecrows can be anything from the traditional scarecrow in dungarees and checked shirt
to a themed scarecrow!
How do I enter? Bring your scarecrow along to the National Allotment Week Family Fun Day in Eden Allotment Gardens on Saturday 8th August 2009. Entries must be received by 2pm. Judging takes place at 2.30pm. Simply complete the entry form below and bring it with you on the day.
Who can enter? Anybody living in the Borough of Carrickfergus can enter. This competition is not open to Carrickfergus Borough Council employees or any person involved in the running of the competition, or their immediate family members. Entrants under the age of 16 must obtain permission from their parent/guardian before entering.
