Floral focal point restored at Whitehead railway halt

Green-fingered volunteers from the Whitehead in Bloom Committee have worked hard to restore two porter’s barrows at Translink’s Whitehead Train Station as part of the Ulster in Bloom competition.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Aug 2014, 12:23 BST
Martin Clark, Janet Crampsey, Vera Donaldson, Hugh Mccosh, Frank Moore (Translink route manager), David Brown, Wilf Lewis and Bill Pollock. Picture by Brian Thompson/PresseyeMartin Clark, Janet Crampsey, Vera Donaldson, Hugh Mccosh, Frank Moore (Translink route manager), David Brown, Wilf Lewis and Bill Pollock. Picture by Brian Thompson/Presseye
Martin Clark, Janet Crampsey, Vera Donaldson, Hugh Mccosh, Frank Moore (Translink route manager), David Brown, Wilf Lewis and Bill Pollock. Picture by Brian Thompson/Presseye

The dedicated team have been busy throughout the summer, planting out and maintaining a range of floral displays at the station which is once again entered into the Community Rail Halt Category of the prestigious floral contest.

The barrows were restored in an effort to add to the history, heritage and charm of the Victorian station.

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They are now bursting with a colourful display of flowers, brightening the platforms for passengers and local residents of the town.

Thanks to the efforts of the local community, the station has been a winner in the Community Rail Halt category four times before.

The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition has attracted 168 entries from local councils, community groups, businesses, bus and train stations.

The horticultural extravaganza celebrates beautiful plant and floral displays across cities, towns and villages in Northern Ireland.

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Meanwhile, Ulster in Bloom nominated both Carrickfergus and Whitehead to the national finals of this year’s Britain in Bloom competition following the regional stage of judging in 2013.

Whitehead is one of the competitors in the Small Town category this year, while Carrickfergus is competing in the Large Town category.

Britain in Bloom judges Mark Wasilewski and Brendan Mowforth visited Whitehead on Friday, August 8 to see the horticultural displays in the area.

The seaside village was assessed on three established criteria: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility, and community participation.

The Britain in Bloom winners and runners-up will be announced at a national awards ceremony in Bristol in October.

Related topics:TranslinkUlsterCarrickfergus