Earsdon, a Northumberland village in close proximity to the North Sea, was recently visited by Kate Humble who was researching her family tree in the TV series 'Who Do You Think You Are'. Her ancestor was present when disaster struck the New Hartley Colliery in 1862 when 204 men and boys were killed and now visitors are seeking out the village to visit the memorial in the churchyard. They are greeted by colourful floral displays, well manicured grass and a sense that the residents are fully aware of their heritage with well positioned farming and mining machinery. The Friends of Earsdon and their committee have utilised all their combined skills to make this such an attractive place to live. 

The judges were particularly impressed with the welcoming impact of the floral displays, the excellent front gardens everywhere and with the community spirit and pride in its farming and mining heritage.  They commended the well organised Friends of Earsdon who involved the skills of the whole community.

Earsdon also achieved the accolade of two discretionary awards this year:

The RHS Britain in Bloom Community Award to the finalist who demonstrated that all sectors of the community have worked together as one.

Durham, famed for its magnificent Norman Cathedral and castle with the distinction of being a world heritage site, is being expertly managed and maintained for the enjoyment of thousands of visitors each year. Durham is blessed with a wonderful treescape and open space throughout the city which creates a relaxed and peaceful feel. The Botanical Gardens have a range of features and educational interest for all ages. The judges were pleased that young people were encouraged to get involved with the ‘Design a flower bed’ competition. The judges hope the support of the new Council will bring stability and further opportunities for development in years to come.

The judges were particularly impressed with the impact and colour of the roundabouts, the St Margaret’s Allotments with efforts to provide for families with young children, the management of the riverbanks and the engagement of young people in floral design.

This entry’s portfolio gave the judges ample introduction to the past problems that had had to be overcome. The judging tour showed what a transformation had been achieved in this former mining village. Drab corners and key points had been rejuvenated with sustainable planting and a riot of colour. The mining heritage had been carefully worked into the schemes with superb artwork and sculptures created locally. A real gem and a tireless community group never resting on their laurels. This was community involvement at its best and the judges left amazed at what had been achieved. 

The judges were particularly impressed with the superb planting in The Old Row and the excellent standards of containers, the wonderful transformation of past derelict sites and the high standard of cleanliness. 

The judges also gave recognition to Ann Higgins, Chair of Eston in Bloom.  She received a Community Champion Award for her outstanding efforts towards the success and transformation of the campaign.

Despite the flooding experienced in September 2008 the judges were impressed by the commitment and hard work that has gone into preparing this picturesque market town for entry into the 2009 campaign, an indication (if it were needed) of the strong community spirit that exists. The Chamber of Commerce and sponsors of the attractive floral displays throughout the town are to be congratulated on their contribution, as are the ‘In Bloom’ group and Town Council. The town has embraced the ethos of conservation and sustainability. The effort and inclusion of all age groups in the restoration and enhancement of the town is commendable. 

Among the many features praised by the judges were: 

The high involvement of traders currently standing at 140 participants, effected through the hard work of the Chamber of Commerce.

The floral enhancement of historic features throughout the town

The high quality treescape and well maintained verges

Development of the arboretum

Stobhill roundabout with its good mixture of sustainable and floral planting

The Mayor’s School Garden Competition and the Peace garden designed and planted by schoolchildren at St Robert’s RC school

The Green Pennant Award winning Millennium Green with its successful community work and volunteer involvement

The wildflower meadow in Carlisle Park and the involvement of the Friends group

South Shields is a very popular seaside destination with excellent sandy beaches and extensive green spaces where visitors can spread themselves around and enjoy the local amenities. The massed bedding display along Sea Road and new paving have added to the appeal of this seaside town. 

The judges were particularly impressed with the Town Hall frontage with barrier baskets and Dragon beds along the seafront, which were all of a good standard, and with the Kensington Terrace guest houses. They said the Marsdon nature reserve has a lot of potential as a first class resource for local schools and residents and they were pleased to see the Market Dock housing with its creative ships in the old dock.

South Marine Park had been regenerated in a style that reflects the era when it was laid out with the new bandstand taking centre stage.

In the introduction to the visit, the Secretary of the Residents Association said that the village was “united in a common purpose through our gardening activities” and that shone through the entire time we were in this beautiful community. The scenic grandeur has not stopped them all from making many, appropriate enhancements in a sustainable way, and the enthusiasm of everyone was obivous. The judges were pleased to be greeted with excellent weather, which had the added advantage of bringing the smiles out on the press call at the end of the tour.

Almost every resident in the village is either directly involved in the Bloom group or at least maintaining gorgeous front gardens. The display of the wheelbarrow and the Blacksmith at the Village Hall is colourful and beautifully maintained. The village entrances have been enhanced with attractive displays and there is ample evidence of spring planting of daffodils and native bluebells in the narrow verges.

New tree planting has also taken place in verges, using appropriate trees suited to the harsh climate of the area. 

The judges added that they loved the focus on the rural and agricultural heritage and they praised the excellent levels of community involvement which has done so much in such a short time to enhance the village for the people and not just to win awards.

Stockton-on-Tees has worked hard in progressing their in Bloom campaign over the last two years, with the standard of bedding making a noticeable improvement.

Ropner Park, since its refurbishment, has become a park for people to enjoy that is maintained to the highest standards. The council have worked well with the residents and with other agencies to produce an excellent entry. 

The judges were particularly impressed with the flower towers in Church Road, St Mary’s roundabout bed, the flowers in the High Street and down Wellington Square the good standard throughout both in planting and maintenance of the bedding. 

They said Billingham Beck Valley Country Park is a real asset to the borough with its range of habitats, visitor centre and use of volunteers and they found the regeneration of the Stockton area very exciting with plenty of new projects planned.