Flower Power!
DURHAM’S BLOOMING FANTASTIC
DURHAM delivered a flower power performance as it picked up a bunch of prizes at the Northumbria in Bloom awards ceremony on Wednesday.
Around 250 entrants from this year’s regional competition were at the Lancastrian suite in Gateshead for the event, where the trophy for Best Overall Entry went to Durham.
Last year Durham won the competition’s Champion of Champions award and also took a gold in Britain in Bloom.
Durham also won this year’s Small City class and the award for the Best Business Improvement District.
In addition, The Court Inn at Durham won the competition’s Best Pub title, and Durham Botanic Garden took the award for best visitor attraction.
Judges said: “Having won gold last year in the national RHS Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions competition, and winning the 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 to 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.”
There was also success for Belmont, on the edge of Durham City, which was the winner in the Urban Community category.
Belmont allotments also took the title in that section, while the Belmont Scrambles site won the conservation award.
There was also joy for the
County Durham communities of Sedgefield, Chester-leStreet and nearby North Lodge, which won Best New Entry.
Judges said of Sedgefield, which took the Small Towns prize: “Sedgefield have an extraordinary number of elements in their offering including some new and imaginative features.
“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.”
Chester-le- Street was the Large Towns winner and judges said: “Really strong community involvement enhanced by the superb coordination, input and support that is provided by the county and town councils.”
Seaham completed County Durham’s sweep by winning the Coastal Resort title.
“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,” said the judges.
“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.”
The Towns category winner was Morpeth in Northumberland. Judges said: “Morpeth’s colour-themed displays gave a bright and pleasing blaze of colour throughout the town.
“The Chamber of Trade continues to encourage trade people to support the In Bloom entry.
“The new bypass road planting scheme is developing well and will enhance the journey for its users.”
Ord in Northumberland won the Large Village section.
“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 plants.”
Ord Country Park also won the Best Commercial premises award. And the Most Improved Entry title went to Seaton Delaval.
Judges said: “This is a developing entry and they have enthusiastically taken on a number of neglected areas for development.” Other awards included: Small Village winner: Stanghow, Redcar and Cleveland; Villages: Moorsholm, Redcar and Cleveland; Best Business Park: Newcastle Business Park; Best Care/ Residential/Convalescent Home, Hospice or Day Centre: Middleton Hall retirement village; Best Religious Establishment: St Mary’s Parish Church, Moorsholm: Best Bus/Metro/Railway Station: Alnmouth Railway Station; Best Park: Ridley Park in Blyth; Best Grounds of a Hospital, University or Public Building: the Parish Hall garden in Corbridge, Northumberland; Best Sports Ground: Berwick Bowling Club; Best Residential Community joint winners: Woodbine Terrace in Corbridge and Shannon Court in Greatham.