BEST OVERALL ENTRY
The Percy Boydell Award
DURHAM
“Having won Gold last year in the national RHS Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions competition, and winning the Regional Northumbria in Bloom Champion of Champions trophy as well, Durham has not rested on its well-deserved laurels; the city is immaculate and delightful, with numerous new projects having come into fruition and the publication of an outstanding sculpture trail leaflet. There is a great feeling of enthusiasm among those responsible for achieving this standard and their efforts have also been acknowledged elsewhere, with 12 Green Flag awards and Keep Britain Tidy’s Local Authority of the Year award to add to their impressive collection. There is a very strong momentum in place which bodes well for the future.”
MOST IMPROVED ENTRY
SEATON DELAVAL
“This is a developing entry and they have enthusiastically taken on a number of neglected areas for development. We were informed about a lot of good projects and ideas in the pipeline. The central roundabout seasonal displays are of a very high standard. The Bloom group has also achieved an excellent transformation of the old “Cat Corner” Public Conveniences. The herb wall displays on the bus shelter are very innovative. The new “Art in the Landscape” tree stump feature is showing great promise. The Council and Bloom group are to be congratulated on all of their hard work and vision this season for Seaton Delaval and we look forward to their continued success in the coming years.”
BEST NEW ENTRY
The Whickham Award
NORTH LODGE
“North Lodge is a re-entry to Northumbria in Bloom after a long absence. It is supported by an enthusiastic and well organised Bloom group determined to improve their locality. For a returning ntry to the competition, the level of community involvement is very good, the enthusiasm of the Bloom committee is plain to see.”
Please note:
Gold – outstanding, Silver Gilt – very good, Silver – good, Bronze – average, Merit – Fair
SMALL VILLAGES
Winner STANGHOW
“Stanghow had ‘wow’ factor when we visited in the Spring.The one mile ribbon of daffodils running the length and breath of the village was particularly attractive. There is continual development of a high standard of horticultural achievement and the impact of this is throughout the village. We were impressed with the amount of work which goes into conservation and biodiversity. Stanghow is a shining example of community participation.”
East Hartford – Silver
Littletown – Bronze
Low Pittington – Merit
Nunthorpe Village – Merit
Stanghow – Gold
Tanfield – Gold
VILLAGES
Winner MOORSHOLM
“This is an outstanding community, prepared to put a huge effort into ensuring that the Parish sustains an extremely high level of horticultural excellence and heritage conservation. The village benefits massively from the clear and continuing commitment of the Committee and the sheer number of active volunteers. In a village of just 303, it is amazing to learn that 90 fall into one or either category. Coupled with assistance from bodies like the local Council and the Church, it is not difficult to understand why Moorsholm has become consistently successful each year.”
Greatham – Gold
High Pittington – Bronze
Lesbury – Silver Gilt
Medomsley – Silver
Middleton in Teesdale – Gold
Moorsholm – Gold
Newfield/Pelton Lane Ends – Silver
Sadberge – Silver
Shadforth – Silver
Trimdon – Silver
Washington Village – Gold
LARGE VILLAGES
Winner ORD
“An attractive village in North Northumberland with a strong sense of history and community, Ord has an active and enthusiastic team involved in Northumbria in Bloom. The village throughout is pristine with many residents obviously taking great pride in keeping their neighbourhood spotless as well as caring for the many tubs and planters.”
Dinnington – Silver
Holywell – Silver
New Hartley – Silver
North Lodge – Silver Gilt
Ord – Silver Gilt
Ouston – Bronze
Seghill – Bronze
Stainton & Thornton – Silver
SMALL TOWNS
Winner SEDGEFIELD
“Sedgefield have an extraordinary number of elements in their NIB offering including some new and imaginative features at Ceddesfeld. The pictorial meadow at Wykes Close was stunning and the traditional Charter,Jubilee and Beacon beds showed an exceptionally high standard of horticulture. This is a picturesque town with so much to see; it is maintained to a high standard and it is always a visual delight to visit.”
Grangetown – Bronze
Middleton St George – Gold
Nunthorpe – Silver
Ponteland – Gold
Sacriston – Silver Gilt
Seaton Delaval – Bronze
Seaton Sluice – Gold
Sedgefield – Gold
Waldridge – Silver Gilt
TOWNS
Winner MORPETH
“Morpeth’s colour themed displays gave a bright and pleasing blaze of colour throughout the Town. The Chamber of Trade continues to encourage the Trade people to support the In Bloom entry. The New by-pass road planting scheme is developing well and will enhance the journey for its users.”
Alnwick – Gold
Bedlington – Silver
Berwick upon Tweed – Silver Gilt
Bishop Auckland – Silver
Hexham – Silver Gilt
Marske – Silver Gilt
Morpeth – Gold
Stanley – Silver
LARGE TOWNS
Winner CHESTER-LE-STREET
“Really strong community involvement enhanced by the superb coordination, input and support that is provided by the County and town councils. In the common areas the roundabouts are noteworthy – a mix of well designed very interesting sustainable planting schemes and traditional summer bedding.”
Blyth – Silver
Chester-le-Street – Silver Gilt
Cramlington – Silver Gilt
SMALL CITY
Winner – DURHAM
“The city is immaculate and delightful, with numerous new projects having come into fruition and the publication of an outstanding sculpture trail leaflet. There is a great feeling of enthusiasm among those responsible for achieving this standard and their efforts have also been acknowledged elsewhere, with 12 Green Flag awards and Keep Britain Tidy’s Local Authority of the Year award to add to their impressive collection. There is a very strong momentum in place which bodes well for the future.”
Durham – Gold
URBAN COMMUNITY
Winner BELMONT
Surrounded by farmland, parkland, open amenity spaces and conservation areas, Belmont is largely residential, with scattered areas of shops and businesses, new developments interspersed with older housing. The remit of the Parish’s Planting Scheme Working Party encompasses “In Bloom” and a newly-elected team are working to continue and improve upon the successes made so far in involving the community and enhancing the environment.”
Belmont – Silver Gilt
COASTAL RESORT
Winner SEAHAM
“Once a “polluted coal mining town”, Seaham has been transformed by its Town Council, aided to a remarkable extent by a host of volunteers and by Durham County Council, into a vibrant and welcoming place to live and to visit. The beautiful beaches and parks, the central tourist, business, pub and shopping areas along the seafront, the sensational Terrace Green public entertainment space, well designed planting, varied artwork and good landscaping throughout, and a keen acknowledgement of natural and local heritage, coupled with energetic efforts to keep it all clean and tidy, have resulted in a sparkling town thronged with happy residents and visitors.”
Seaham – Gold
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GROWING TOGETHER FOR SCHOOLS
Winner ST PETER’S CofE PRIMARY, BROTTON
St Peter’s C of E Primary is an Eco school set in extensive grounds, bordered by woodland at the far side of the playing field. Surrounding the school are lovely gardens and allotments that are created and used by all ages of children throughout the school curriculum, and given particular care by the gardening group – The Flowerpot club. The pupils are encouraged to contribute to their community life, and to take part in competitions and shows in the wider community to increase their learning and awareness, and are rightly proud of their achievements.
Finalists
St Peter’s Cof E Primary, Brotton – Gold
Tweedmouth West First School, Berwick – Gold
Westgarth Primary School, Marske – Gold
Roseberry Primary School, Pelton – Silver Gilt
Richard Avenue Primary School, Sunderland – Gold
