Blooming lovely birthday present for garden team
MORPETH SCOOPS BEST TOWN PRIZE IN AWARDS
AS a 21st birthday present, it couldn’t be bettered for a bunch of Northumberland friends.
The Morpeth in Bloom group is marking its 21st anniversary and yesterday there was more cause for celebration.
For Morpeth won the best town prize in the Northumbria in Bloom awards, which took place at the Lancastrian suite in Gateshead.
Judges said: “The town is very welcoming with colourful displays of seasonal planting interspersed with an increasing amount of permanent planting particularly on the roundabouts. Considerable effort has gone into ensuring that good environmental practice in water management, recycling, composting and grass cutting is carried out.
“The success of the Morpeth in Bloom Group stems from their ability to co-ordinate the activities of the various partner organisations to achieve a single goal. This encompasses both public and private agencies and all different age groups but most especially the involvement of local schools.”
Morpeth also picked up a hat trick of other awards. A community champion award went to Raymond Dixon, who has looked after the planting in the town’s Sanderson Arcade since 2010.
Judges said: “Year after year Raymond’s drive and vision has taken the centre from an obvious new-build development into a horticultural delight. He goes the extra mile to ensure the service he provides is first class, and his beautiful work is regularly praised by residents and visitors alike.”
The Sanderson Arcade was also an award winner, as was the town’s Abbeyfields First School.
Andrew Jackson, chairman of Northumbria in Bloom – now in its 55th year – 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.
“However I want to thank all the participants in the Northumbria in Bloom competition for all that they do to enhance and transform our region.
“Through their magnificent 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 North East.”
Durham came away with a total of eight awards.
It won the Small City category with judges commenting: “Durham’s world heritage status confirms its international importance but the local partnerships produce a beautiful, welcoming, vibrant city.
“The magnificent architecture is softened by abundant floral displays and the mature trees in the parks, gardens and colleges suggest a calm green woodland in the city. The move to wildflower planting and the wildlife corridor along the riverbanks also benefits the natural world.”
Belmont captured the Urban Community award, with a community champion accolade going to Eddie Malarkey, of whom the judges said: “Eddie has worked for Belmont Parish Council for about 25 years, tending the cemetery and flowerbeds.
“In his own time he weeds and litterpicks and even paints the parish seats. He is a true friend of the parish and his cheerfulness and ‘can-do’ attitude make him an asset to the parish.”
A gold award was also earned by the Belmont Scrambles wildlife area, which is “widely used” by the community, while Ramside Hall at Belmont was tops in the Best Pub/Hotel section.
The Best Park category was won by Wharton Park in Durham. The judges’ verdict was: “Wharton Park sits on a steeply sloping site which makes every aspect of garden maintenance a challenge, but the slope has allowed for the creation of a grass amphitheatre which hosts many public events and spectacles.
“There is ample habitat for wildlife from the wildflower meadow area to the large mature trees and the newly opened community garden which is full of flowers, fruit and vegetables. There are several sculptures as well as magnificent views of Durham Cathedral and Castle. The area’s local heritage is cherished and the park is well-loved and used by residents and visitors alike.”
Durham BID was a winner in the Best Town Centres and BIDs section and St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham also earned a gold award.
The overall best entry award was won by Tanfield in County Durham, which also won the Small Village section.
“Tanfield is a small rural village in County Durham of around 100 households on a steep hillside.
“It has a strong sense of identity in its modern role as an attractive, colourful commuter village through its widespread enthusiasm, passion, people and flower power which are its major strengths,” said the judges.
Other awards went to Sunderland University in the Hospital/ University/ Public Building grounds category and Kynren for Tourist/Visitor attraction. Andrew Jackson
Through their magnificent efforts our spirits are lifted and pleasant, attractive places are created