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NEWS
NORTHUMBRIA IN BLOOM 2010
The entry pack for 2010 is now available and entries for the main competition must be in by 1st November 2009. See the How to Enter page. There's a new competition for schools, covering the whole of the Northumbria in Bloom area. See the Growing Together Competition page.
The Gateshead MBC Trophy for Business Parks is now open to
entries from business parks outside the areas which enter the main
competition - see Special Awards.
NORTHUMBRIA IN BLOOM 2009
The
results of the 2009 Northumbria in Bloom competition were announced and
presentations made at a ceremony in the Freeman's Quay Leisure Centre
in Durham City on 14th September. The full results are on
the Results page. There's a Press release here.
BRITAIN
IN BLOOM 2009
Each year Northumbria in Bloom
selects some of the best of the Region's winning entries to
represent the North East in the prestigious national Britain
in Bloom competition and this year our entries were:
Durham
Eston
Morpeth
South Shields
Stanghow
Stockton-on-Tees
Earsdon was invited by the RHS to compete for the Champion of Champions award.
Their
achievements were;
Durham (Large Town/Small City) - Silver award
Eston (Urban Community) - Silver Gilt award
Morpeth (Town) - Silver Gilt award
South Shields (Coastal) - Silver award
Stanghow (Small Village) - Silver Gilt award
Stockton-on-Tees (City) - Gold award and Category Winner
Earsdon
(Champion of Champions) - Silver Gilt award
Congratulations to all of them. A summary of the judges' comments in their reports is below.
A
full list of Britain in Bloom 2009 award winners can be found at:
http://www.rhs.org.uk/britaininbloom/Finalists/winners_2009.html
CHILDRENS' PAINTING COMPETITION 2009
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The
2009 Northumbria in Bloom competition results were announced at
Gateshead Civic Centre in June 2009. The list of winners is here
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| BRITAIN IN BLOOM JUDGES' REPORTS |
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Earsdon
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.
Verna
MacNaughton, Chair of Earsdon in Bloom, received a Community Champion Award for
her outstanding efforts towards the success and promotion of the Britain in Bloom
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Durham
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.
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Eston
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.
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Morpeth
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
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South Shields
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.
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Stanghow
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.
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Stockton-on Tees
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.
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