Britain in Bloom Judges' Reports 2010
Great Whittington - Silver Gilt award
The judges said this small village is an excellent example of a small community working together. There was interest shown in all aspects of the Britain in Bloom judging criteria.
Colourful and sustainable planting was evident in most places and the judges commended the obvious care in maintenance of empty properties.
Darlington - Silver award
The heritage of trees in the city is very good with a wide range of species present in parks and at the cemetary and street trees providing a pleasant green addition to many of the urban and throufgh routes.
Town centre container planting is good - bold, bright and cheerful - with flower towers of begonia notably succesful in the town and on the arterial roads.
Saltburn by the Sea - Silver award
Interesting local and natural history with iconic views of the recently restored Water Balance Cliff Railway leave lasting impressions of this beautiful coastal town. The judges said it was great to see the enthusistic volunteers and the fun they are having with a relaxed appraoch that works well for them.
Highlights of the tour included the valley and its conservation and educational facilties and the inventive artwork from the half size engine and model pier to statues and mosaics.
Whickham - Silver Gilt award
This former mining town has been transformed into a very attractive residential area. Iit retains proud links to its past through the evocative sculptures in the excellent Watergate Forest Park but is also a very attractive town of the present day.
The Hermitage Garden is a fantastic asset to the town, where the judges were in awe of the enthusiasm, drive, skill and farsighted vision of Dave Peacock in rescuing this peaceful haven.
Warkworth - Silver Gilt award
Historic Warkworth with its beautiful castle, bridge, riverside and proximity to the Northumbrian coast is well worth a visit. here there is a good partnership between the Bloom group and the Councils and other organisations. This is a key factor in the results which were so clear to see.
Stockton on Tees - Gold award & category winner
This vibrant and bustling city boasts a rich and diverse cultural community who in recent years have taken the Bloom ethos to heart. It continues to go from strength to strength.
The city, steeped in heritage, is moving forward to embrace modernday life with a vast array of cultural activities and a very forward thinking approach to the environment. Not only a floral city but a clean and green one, with a community to be proud of.
