Coleraine to represent NI in Britain in Bloom finals

COLERAINE has been selected from more than 1,000 entrants to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2013, the country’s biggest voluntary campaign which involves more than 300,000 people.

Coleraine is one of 80 finalists and is in the Large Town category.

The province nominated Coleraine to the UK stage of the competition following regional and national judging last year. Coleraine was selected for outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and gardening achievement.

In July and August this year, Coleraine’s green-fingered volunteers will be showing off their commitment to a cleaner, greener Britain, by taking the Britain in Bloom judges on a tour of local projects and initiatives in a hope of being awarded Gold and being named category winner at the annual award ceremony, this year being held in Cleethorpes in October.

Andrea Van Sittart, Head of Regional Development, said: “It seems more people are prepared to donate time and energy to projects like this, because they’re aware that improving their neighbourhoods can change lives and boost people’s confidence, health and happiness. The Britain in Bloom campaign is making a difference, and people want to be a part of that.”

“On behalf of the RHS, I’d like to wish every volunteer from Coleraine the very best of luck in this year’s UK Finals and look forward to celebrating with you all in October.”

The kind of projects undertaken by Britain in Bloom volunteers, which judges will be assessing, include maintenance of parks and communal gardens, the management of natural spaces such as wildflower meadows and conservation areas, community initiatives to promote recycling and environmental awareness, and projects to involve local schools and residents.

Related topics: