‘A great deal to celebrate’ at Carrick in Bloom lunch

More than 1,200 gardening enthusiasts have taken part in the annual Carrickfergus in Bloom community competitions.
Katie Branagh, Susan Mephon and Christine Harper at the Carrick in Bloom prize giving. INCT 45-117-GRKatie Branagh, Susan Mephon and Christine Harper at the Carrick in Bloom prize giving. INCT 45-117-GR
Katie Branagh, Susan Mephon and Christine Harper at the Carrick in Bloom prize giving. INCT 45-117-GR

Details of the bumper crop of entries were revealed when over 90 people attended the presentation lunch in the Town Hall on Friday.

‘Best Kept’ competition winners and runners-up received their well earned certificates and prizes from the Mayor, Alderman Charles Johnston, at the Carrickfergus Borough Council-hosted event.

Competition categories included Best Kept Garden and Best Kept Container Garden for householders, Best Kept Commercial Premises for business organisations and painting, poetry and Tallest Sunflower competitions for young people.

Alderman May Beattie, chairperson of Parks, Countryside & Amenities sub-committee, said: “The Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions have really caught the imagination of our borough’s citizens. This year over 1,230 people created some beautiful floral displays that we can all enjoy.

“This year we have a great deal to celebrate, at the Britain in Bloom awards, the borough received two silver gilt awards for Carrickfergus and Whitehead towns, our best result since the inception of the competition. We also received awards at Ulster in Bloom.

“Carrickfergus in Bloom is a beacon of community gardening good practice, as it encourages people to get involved, builds community spirit and improves the environment we all live in.”

Alderman Beattie also thanked the sponsors for their support and partner organisations including Conservation Volunteers, Woodland Trust, Translink, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Department of Regional Development.

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