County does blooming marvellous in environment awards
29 Sep 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland has once again enjoyed stunning success in this year’s Northumbria in Bloom competition.
The competition, now in its 59th year, is all about encouraging local communities to improve their area through community gardening and sound environmental practises. It is part of the UK wide Britain in Bloom campaign run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
From formal gardens through to busy bus shelters, the county scooped scores of awards, including the best overall entry (Cramlington), best small village (Holywell), best small town (Alnwick) and best large town (Cramlington).
As overall winner, Cramlington will now go through to the national Britain in Bloom competition.
Commenting on Cramlington’s award, judges said: “Cramlington has the advantage of being surrounded by countryside and is also home to more large businesses than many other similar size towns.
“The Town Council has made the most of this by encouraging volunteer groups to utilise the natural resources by making large areas of woodland accessible, creating new woodland - most notably at the landform Northumberlandia - and there are plans in the pipeline for a new dementia garden which is going to be part of a larger park available to all.
“They have taken on board the ethos of sustainable planting and in most cases throughout the judging route, the level of horticulture was very good. There is plenty of colour and form as well as trees and shrubs being used very effectively. Lots of grass is left long between trees in the park for biodiversity and plenty of wildflowers have been grown to good effect.
“The judges were impressed by the planting of shrubs and perennials in blocks on roundabouts which are a very attractive, cohesive asset to the town.”
In a joint statement, Cramlington's six County Councillors said: “As a group we're immensely proud of the distinguished recognition bestowed on this town by Northumbria in Bloom.
To be crowned overall winner is a fantastic achievement and as we now qualify to enter Britain in Bloom competition, hopefully there is more in store! Thanks must go to everyone who has helped contribute to this great accomplishment - County and Town councils, the dedicated staff, local voluntary organisations and residents - it's been a real team effort."
Northumberland County Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet member for Looking After Our Environment, added: “These communities, parks and public spaces look wonderful because of the effort that goes into tending and caring for them.
“Bloom Awards aren't achieved overnight, and a lot of time is put in all year round with clean ups, tidying and planting.
“I am very grateful to everyone involved in making these places that everyone can enjoy. Our own staff, town and parish councils, community groups and volunteers who have given their time have done a fantastic job and that is reflected in the abundance of awards.”
Robert Germany, Chairman of Northumbria in Bloom said: “When people think of Northumbria in Bloom they often assume that it’s all about hanging baskets and the municipal flower displays on roundabouts.
However the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. This means that ‘in bloom’ communities tackle everything from litter, graffiti and anti-social behaviour through to conservation, biodiversity and improving horticultural standards, and that’s not to mention the positive impact on health & wellbeing, sense of place, community spirit and civic pride.”
Other awards for Northumberland (and judges’ comments) included:
The Judge’s Discretionary Award
Winner - The ‘Old Man’s Hut’ in Holywell.
“The ‘Old Man’s Hut’ as the bus shelter is affectionately known, was described by judges as ‘a fantastic model of how an ordinary utilitarian structure can be transformed into somewhere special with unique features and horticultural adornments’.
Small Village
Winner HOLYWELL
“A fantastic example of a group fully representative of their local community. The original use of raw materials and planting schemes, much of which was donated, was exciting and colourful and created a very vibrant community in which to live, work and play”.
Small Town
Winner ALNWICK
“Alnwick in Bloom are very much aware of the role horticulture can play in enhancing the town's historic centre as well as the more modern urban and commercial areas. The absence of litter and street weeds exemplifies the pride the community has for its town. The judges were impressed with the range of activities comprising the entry”.
Hexham – Silver Gilt
Large Town
Winner CRAMLINGTON
“Cramlington has the advantage of being surrounded by countryside and is also host to more large businesses than many other similar size towns. The Town Council has made the most of this by encouraging volunteer groups to utilise the natural resources by making large areas of woodland accessible, creating new woodland - most notably at the landform Northumberlandia - and there are plans in the pipeline for a new dementia garden which is going to be part of a larger park available to all. They are always planning ahead with projects in the pipeline to keep momentum going”.
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SPECIAL CATEGORY AWARDS
Community Champions
For a truly outstanding contribution over several years by individuals, whether salaried or volunteer, in support of Northumbria in Bloom.
Christopher Mordue, Holywell in Bloom
“Chris has worked for Northumberland County Council the majority of his working career. He is dedicated to making the Seaton Valley area look the best it can be, using his many talents and his passion for perfection. His ‘can do’ attitude is openly shared amongst his team, as he is always willing to find solutions and advise and guide throughout any task when necessary. He has always been keen to share his horticultural knowledge and expertise with the five ‘In-Bloom’ groups in Seaton Valley. He has mentored apprentices and younger members of staff and helped develop and inspire their future careers in horticulture. Chris is a modest guy and isn’t comfortable with praise, but it’s easy to see the pleasure he gets when Seaton Valley looks its best”.
Best Religious Establishment
Hexham Cemetery - Gold
St. Nicholas Church, Cramlington – Silver Gilt
Best Large Commercial Premises
Winner WOODHILL, OTTERBURN
“This wedding venue is approached via a long avenue of mature trees with newly planted beds at the entrance. In addition to perennial planting, there are many colourfully planted containers and a number of features for wedding parties to enjoy, including faux grass covered elephants for the children and a knot garden spelling out the word love combined with a heart. A newly erected gazebo is surrounded by cherry trees to provide a photo opportunity for the bride and groom and several other projects are in the early stages”.
Best Pub
Winner ORD HOUSE LOUNGE, BAR and GRILL, BERWICK UPON TWEED
“The planting displays at Ord House Lounge are very high impact and well-conceived. Good colour choices and the window boxes and hanging baskets are very full. Good to see sustainable planting too which adds structure and height and gives permanence to the planting. The maintenance is to be commended as it is immaculate and the whole display is a visual delight”.
John the Clerk, Cramlington - Silver
Ord House Lounge, Bar and Grill - Gold
The John Bull Inn, Alnwick - Gold
The Milbourne Arms, Holywell – Silver Gilt
Best Hotel / Guest House
Winner THE COOKIE JAR, ALNWICK
“The restrained planting of this professionally designed garden with its limited colour palette beautifully compliments this one time convent. The plants were of very high quality and well maintained and the hard landscaping gave a very modern feel. The fact that the predominantly blue colour scheme complemented the decor inside the hotel was an added delight. The garden is a peaceful area for reflection as well as one for the enjoyment of guests. Its' very design would discourage anyone from doing anything to spoil it. The window boxes at the front of the hotel continued the blue theme, bringing subdued colour into this conservation area”.
The County Hotel, Hexham – Silver Gilt
Walls Bed and Breakfast, Berwick upon Tweed – Silver Gilt
Best Conservation
Winner EAST ORD NATURE WALK, BERWICK
“The volunteers do a fantastic job of maintaining and continuing to develop the Nature Walk, with new ideas in the pipeline. The whole Nature Walk is extremely well maintained, clean and tidy. The diversity of species is good to see and continues to develop with new plantings and there are some extremely useful and well-made interpretation signs along the walk to help with plant identification. It’s great to see that the local community are so supportive with local businesses and individuals donating materials as well as money to ensure the continued success of the Nature Walk. Its lovely to see all the unusual and quirky objects that people leave along the walk and the enjoyment it gives to local children who are encouraged to use the area as a learning resource”.
Woodland Walkway, Holywell – Silver Gilt
Wydon Water Flood Defence Scheme, Hexham – Gold
Best Bus/Metro/Railway Station
Winner FRIENDS OF ALNMOUTH STATION
“The Friends of Alnmouth Railway Station are well organised and the very numerous large tubs lining the platforms are a welcome sight. These are filled with colourful planting with many perennials and herbs which have been chosen to be drought resistant and attractive to pollinators. Schoolchildren have been involved with the delightful murals and the painting of the bird boxes”.
Friends of Alnmouth Station - Gold
Best Park
Winner ALEXANDRA PARK, CRAMLINGTON
“Alexandra Park is a credit to the staff who maintain it. The Park is very clean and tidy and is a very pleasant space to walk through with numerous facilities to appeal to a wide range of people. The new play area and dog park are popular and well used as is the Bowling Green. All are maintained to a high standard. The sensory garden is lovely area with a very good selection of interesting plants to give year round interest and is a more peaceful space to relax in”.
Alexandra Park, Cramlington - Gold
Hexham Parks - Silver
The Mound & Picnic Area, Holywell - Gold
Best Town Centre Retail Area / BIDs
Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington – Silver Gilt
Best Private Garden
35 Swansfield Park Road, Alnwick - Gold
Best Sports Ground
Winner HEXHAM GOLF CLUB
“The overall standard of care at the golf club is superb, with a good awareness of environmental responsibilities within the constraints of it needing immaculate greens and fairways. The many mature trees on the site are beautifully maintained. Leaves are collected and composted. The grass cutting regime allows for some areas to develop as wilder areas, with benefit for both flora and fauna. The areas with wild flowers attract many insects, while wildlife such as deer, foxes, hares, badgers and rabbits are regularly seen and recorded on wildlife cameras. Summing up, the golf club is a great asset to Hexham as a bloom entry. Praise is due to all involved in its care”.
Best Residential Community
St.Paul’s Court, Alnwick - Gold
Best Allotments
St. James’s Allotments, Alnwick - Gold
Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate
Northumberlandia, Cramlington - Gold
Ord House County Park, Berwick upon Tweed - Gold
The Alnwick Garden - Gold