Ahoghill glory on global scale

Pictured picking up Ahoghill's international accolades in Canada on Saturday are - Derek McKay (Ahoghill in Bloom), Mayor of Kamloops BC, Peter Milobar, Mid & East Antrim Councillor Andrew Wilson and Bob Lewis, Communities in Bloom national Chairman. (Submitted Picture).

The village received an honourable mention with ‘5 Blooms’ - attaining Bronze Standard and also received special recognition for Positive Partnerships during the 2015 National Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Kamloops, British Columbia, on Saturday, having been entered in the International Challenge (Medium) category by Mid & East Antrim Council.

Also entered in the competition, Glenarm won the International Challenge (Small) category.

Speaking on behalf of Ahoghill in Bloom, James Perry said: “Everyone involved in Ahoghill in Bloom is delighted with the success we have achieved on the international stage.

“To receive the prestigious ‘5 Blooms’ standard is way beyond what we would have expected and, in addition, to be named as a Bronze recipient and to be the only entrant in our group to receive an ‘Honourable Mention’ is simply fantastic.

“Ahoghill was also granted a Special Recognition for ‘Positive Partnerships’. Partnerships with the community, businesses and local organisations has been the foundation of our success,” said James who paid tribute to all those who support their ongoing environmental improvement programme.

He added: “This has been an outstanding year for Ahoghill. In July we were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and just a few weeks ago we won the Small Towns category of Ulster in Bloom for the eighth year in succession. In a few weeks we will hear the results of our entry in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition...and, of course, we are already planning for next year!”