Green fingered Ken takes top allotment award

An evening was held at Lagan Valley Island to acknowledge the hard work of keen gardeners at its Derriaghy Allotments.

They were all judged in four categories including produce, quality of plants, overall presentation and plot utilisation.

In second place was Ms Eunice Inman, in third William McCartney and Bernard Carr finished in fourth.

Each winner received a piece of Tyrone Crystal from the Council and a gardening voucher sponsored by Hoophill Nurseries, Waringstown.

The Deputy Mayor of Lisburn, Alderman William Leathem presented the overall winner Dr Ken Glass with a special Council plaque.

Speaking at the reception, Mr Leathem said: “I would like to congratulate all our winners. It is great news for the Council that there is a very healthy interest in its allotment site and this awards event celebrates the skills of our allotment holders. The quality of the allotments entered into the awards has increased each year over the past six years.”

A special award of achievement was made to Mr Patrick Hunter, a much respected figure within the allotment community at Derriaghy.

Councillor Stephen Martin, Chairman of the Council’s Corporate Services Committee, said: “I am pleased to publicly acknowledge the dedication, hard work and effort that each of you have put into keeping your allotments over the course of the year.

“I was part of the judging panel and must say my fellow judges and I found the decision difficult. The allotments continue to be maintained to a high standard with a variety of products being produced across the board.”

He thanked the judging panel, and gave a special thanks to guest judge Rev William McMillan, a renowned floral artist and designer.

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