Communities from across the North East came together on Wednesday 26th September 2018 at The Lancastrian Suite, Gateshead to recognise and celebrate all that they achieved in improving and transforming local environments across the region as part of 2018’s Northumbria in Bloom competition.
The competition, in its 54th year, is to encourage local communities to improve their areas 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).
The guest presenter of the awards was Jim Buttress, the ‘Queen’s Gardener’ (as former Superintendent of the Royal Parks in London), Senior Judge at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and on BBC’s Great Allotment Challenge programme.
The Awards ceremony was compered by Marian Foster, BBC Radio Newcastle Garden Mania presenter.
Over 400 representatives of this year’s entrants were at the event to receive their awards.
Andrew Jackson, Chairman of Northumbria in Bloom said: “ It is so very easy when we turn on the television or radio, pick up a newspaper or view social media to get thoroughly depressed by all the ‘gloom and doom’ going on locally, nationally and internationally. However I want to thank all the participants in the Northumbria in Bloom competition for all that they do to enhance and transform our small part of this wonderful planet we live on. Through their efforts our spirits are lifted and pleasant, attractive and welcoming places are created for us all to live in, work in and visit. Participation in Northumbria in Bloom brings immense environmental and social benefits to the region”
If you would like any further information please call Andrew Jackson on 07760 172 142
Andrew Jackson
Chairman, Northumbria in Bloom
NORTHUMBRIA IN BLOOM 2018 MAIN AWARDS AND RESULTS
BEST OVERALL ENTRY
The Percy Boydell Award
DURHAM
“Durham is a green and attractive city, a horticultural showpiece for the region with a high standard of horticultural excellence, stunning roundabouts, and wonderful examples of 3D carpet bedding from butterflies to Bishops Mitre, conservation, bio-diversity, and praise worthy community and business involvement. The city is an exemplar of the value of community spirit and pride from involvement of grassroots volunteers to motivating strong business support.”
MOST IMPROVED ENTRY
HOLYWELL VILLAGE
“Holywell is a rural, now mainly commuter village with a past history of mining and farming. It is one of five Seaton Valley villages and is supported well by Seaton Valley Community Council. The small and enthusiastic group of in Bloom volunteers have achieved some of their plans from 2017 and have new project ideas for the future.
The work done by the group of volunteers is paying dividends and has raised the signature of the village to all who live there and also the commuters who pass through”
BEST NEW ENTRY
The Whickham Award
OVINGTON
“The picturesque Ovington village is located on the Durham/Yorkshire border and has the distinction of being known as the maypole village due to the imposing 19 metre grade II listed structure which dominates the village green. The green being the focal point, provides the venue for numerous public events which take place throughout the year. The green is surrounded by attractive stone dwellings some dating back 150 years; however, the original settlement is much older and is in fact mentioned in the Doomsday Book.”
Please note:
Gold – outstanding, Silver Gilt – very good, Silver – good, Bronze – average, Merit – Fair
SMALL VILLAGES
Winner TANFIELD
“A small picturesque village on the outskirts of the Tyneside conurbation passionately cared for by a large group of local residents demonstrating a pride in their beautiful environment which is obviously enjoyed and valued by the public. There is an impressive list of communal activities involving many aspects of village life, and providing the funding to support the remarkable “Changing the Guard” themed planting throughout the village.”
Littletown – Merit
Nunthorpe Village – Merit
Ovington – Gold
Tanfield – Gold
VILLAGES
Winner GREATHAM
“Greatham is an attractive, historic village which has been enhanced by the residents who have worked enthusiastically to improve their surroundings, embracing the ideals of Northumbria in Bloom. The grassy areas around the village are brightened by drifts of daffodils in Spring and the many flower beds are well maintained with colourful planting. The whole village is clean and well cared-for”.
Beadnell – Gold
Greatham – Gold
Lesbury – Silver Gilt
Low Pittington – Merit
Middleton in Teesdale – Gold
Monkton – Bronze
Newfield/Pelton Lane Ends – Silver Gilt
Trimdon Foundry – Silver Gilt
Washington Village – Gold
LARGE VILLAGES
Winner ORD
“Ord is a clean and tidy former salmon fishing village close to Berwick upon Tweed in the North of Northumberland. It has many attractive floral displays and a group of dedicated and busy councillors and volunteers who keep weeding, planting and mowing under control.”
Dinnington – Silver
High Pittington – Merit
Holywell Village – Silver Gilt
New Hartley Village – Silver
Ord – Silver Gilt
Seghill Village – Bronze
SMALL TOWNS
Winner SEDGEFIELD
“Sedgefield is an attractive town, with much of it being a conservation area. The town has a well organised and efficient Bloom team, with realistic plans and projects for future developments. They make use of the town’s heritage with themed areas and are careful to ensure that new schemes incorporate a good mix of sustainable planting. Funding is obtained from the local community as well as the council and businesses.
Sedgefield has had well-deserved success in Northumbria in Bloom and all involved deserve recognition.”
Corbridge – Gold
Middleton St George – Silver Gilt
Nunthorpe – Silver
Ponteland – Gold
Seaton Delaval – Bronze
Sedgefield – Gold
Waldridge – Silver Gilt
TOWNS
Winner MORPETH
“Morpeth is an entry which demonstrates a profound understanding of the Northumbria in Bloom philosophy, and which shares its aims. The team has amply shown the judges that its members know what is needed to achieve year-round benefits. Morpeth is a veteran of Northumbria in Bloom and not much has been overlooked or neglected. Attention to design, appropriateness of planting, biodiversity, community involvement, public art, education and heritage is amply demonstrated in the streets and parks.
Alnwick – Gold
Bedlington – Silver
Berwick upon Tweed – Gold
Bishop Auckland & Coundon – Silver Gilt
Hexham – Silver Gilt
Marske – Silver Gilt
Morpeth – Gold
LARGE TOWNS
Winner CHESTER-LE-STREET
“The Area Action Partnership of Durham County Council, various agencies and numerous community groups from schools, churches and Friends groups have worked together to make Chester le Street colourful and attractive throughout the year. The communication and collective effort within the groups has ensured this success and the development of the Market Place is keenly awaited.”
Blyth – Silver Gilt
Chester-le-Street – Silver Gilt
Cramlington – Silver Gilt
SMALL CITY
Winner – DURHAM
“Having won Best Overall Entry in 2017, Durham has not rested on its well-deserved laurels. It is a horticultural showpiece for the region with a high standard of horticultural excellence, stunning roundabouts, and wonderful examples of 3D carpet bedding from butterflies to Bishops Mitre, conservation, bio-diversity, and praise worthy community and business involvement. The city is an exemplar of the value of community spirit and pride from involvement of grassroots volunteers to motivating strong business support.”
Durham – Gold
URBAN COMMUNITY
Winner BELMONT
“Belmont Parish is made up of three wards Gilesgate Moor, Belmont and Carrville. They are to be congratulated on their colourful flower beds in what has been a challenging summer. Environmental issues are well managed. Of particular note was the rainwater harvesting scheme at Belmont Allotments. There are some very good examples of community partnership working from the Friends of the Scrambles, involvement of local schools and local residents.”
Belmont – Silver Gilt
COASTAL RESORT
Winner SALTBURN BY THE SEA
“Colourful displays of mainly sustainable planting throughout complement the beautiful architecture looked after tubs, 150 baskets and beds, attractive residential areas and private gardens. All with very high levels of maintenance. The newly designed fossil bed was doing well in a difficult exposed position. The attractively planted Forest Station and the Valley Gardens was a pleasure and the Italian sunken garden was beautiful. There was representation from a number of groups of and historic character and layout of the town. Pride of Place was well evidenced with very well volunteers, all of whom had obvious good leadership, were very enthusiastic and supported each other”.
Saltburn by the Sea – Gold
Seaham – Silver Gilt
Seaton Sluice – Silver Gilt
CITY CENTRE
Winner SUNDERLAND
“The city of Sunderland has a long history of trade and manufacturing associated with its location at the mouth of the River Wear. Although like many such communities it has suffered a period of decline it is now emerging into a vibrant modern future. There is a legacy of green spaces and parks containing mature trees, enhancing and softening the city centre. There is an active programme of regeneration which is transforming the centre, with plans for further improvements to public spaces in the near future.”
Darlington – Silver Gilt
Sunderland – Silver Gilt
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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.
Joyce Roberts, Newfield and Pelton Lane Ends
Janet Bestford, Saltburn
Dave Symmington, Seaton Delaval
Norma Neal, Sedgefield
Best Business Park
RAINTON BRIDGE BUSINESS PARK, HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING -Gold
Schools
SWANSFIELD PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL, ALNWICK – Gold
Best Care/Residential/Convalescent Home,
Hospice or Day Centre
ST. CUTHBERT’S HOSPICE, DURHAM – Gold
Best Religious Establishment
DURHAM CATHEDRAL – Gold
Best Commercial Premises
ORD HOUSE COUNTRY PARK, BERWICK – Gold
Best Pub/Hotel
RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL, BELMONT – Gold
Best Conservation
RIVER WANSBECK, MORPETH – Gold
Best Bus/Metro/Railway Station
ALNMOUTH RAILWAY STATION – Gold
Best Park
CARLISLE PARK, MORPETH – Gold
Best Shopping Precinct, Arcade, Town Centre or BID
DURHAM BID – Gold
Best Private Garden
MR AND MRS SHORT, MIDDLETON ST GEORGE – Gold
Best Grounds of a Hospital, University or Public Building
DURHAM UNIVERSITY – Gold
Best Sports Ground
BERWICK BOWLING CLUB – Gold
Best Residential Community
TANNERS ROW, HEXHAM – Gold
Best Allotments
BELMONT ALLOTMENTS — Gold
Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN – Gold
Judges Discretionary Award for innovation in water conservation
