Launch of Northumbria in Bloom 2009
Summer’s looking good - whatever the weather! So say the North East gardeners taking part in this years Northumbria in Bloom competition.
The competition for 2009 is launched on March 9 and is part of the national Britain in Bloom campaign run by the Royal Horticultural Society. The highest achievements can lead to national recognition for local communities and a prestigious Britain in Bloom Award.
Earsdon village in North Tyneside is the perfect example.
From small beginnings in Northumbria in Bloom, they’ve built up a brilliant team of enthusiasts, coming top in their class. Last year they won the national Best Village and a national gold medal, and now they’ve been invited to take part in Britain in Bloom’s Champion of Champions competition.
They achieved this by involving the whole community. Those with green fingers planted and tended flower beds, others baked cakes and fundraised or supported the project by just keeping their garden and streets clean and tidy. Because everyone old and young pulled together - even the non gardeners - they’ve become a national example.
Now they are giving advice to some new achievers. The tiny road-side village of Stanghow in Redcar and Cleveland has improved so much in the last few years it’s been selected to take part in the national competition. It shared the best overall entry award with Earsdon in Northumbria in Bloom last year and now the two villages have become firm friends, sharing advice and ideas.
Undaunted by floods and freezing weather the other communities carrying the flag for the region are Morpeth, Durham, South Shields and Stockton. They all put on breathtaking displays last year and came through the challenging summer with flying colours.
They’re joined by almost one hundred other communities taking part in the regional competition who are determined they won’t be beaten by the credit crunch or a late spring.
But it’s not all flowers. Even the smallest village can win an award for its community effort, cleanliness and greenery - you don’t have to have a flower bed on every corner.
Future dates:
-
Launch meeting: March 9 at the Gala Theatre Durham Judging months; April and July
-
Presentation Ceremony: Monday 14 Sept, Gala Theatre Durham
For further information:
www.rhs.org.uk
PRESS CONTACT
Eileen Burn 01434 270 228
Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
* The Northumbria in Bloom competition began in the region over 40 years ago. Its aim is to encourage communities to work together to take care of their local environment and to brighten it up using trees, shrubs and flowers.
* Northumbria in Bloom is one of 18 regions and nations who select their best entries to take part in the annual Britain in Bloom Awards run by the Royal Horticultural Society.
*The organisers believe that by taking part competitors develop community spirit and increase public pride.
* The competition has been organised to cover every type of community, ranging from large cities to small villages, urban communities to seaside towns.
* Northumbria in Bloom also awards prizes in recognition of more individual achievements such as best voluntary project, best pub or hotel and best individual contributor to the competition.
* Community involvement is as important as floral displays and as the public's environmental awareness increases, cleanliness, conservation and sustainability have become more important considerations for the judges.
* Judges give credit to places where volunteers are as involved as the local authority and where local businesses join in with extra manpower or sponsorship support.
