'In Bloom' award winners revealed

THE moment of truth has arrived for green-fingered participants in the 2010 Carrickfergus in Bloom competition.

Announcing the winners, Alderman May Beattie, chairperson of the Borough’s Parks, Countryside and Amenities sub committee, commented: “I am thrilled with the response from those taking part and am really excited about the quality and diversity of the entrants.

“It has been an opportunity for me to see the wealth and variety of horticultural talent in our community.”

Stephen Daye, the council’s Parks and Countryside officer and one of the judges, added: “The time and dedication many entrants spend in their gardens is a credit too them. Deciding on a winner was very difficult for some categories; however all who took part should be proud of their achievements.”

Meanwhile, judging is now underway in the Carrickfergus in Bloom virtual flower show.

Entries have been received in six categories and residents are invited to visit www.virtualflowershow.org and vote for their favourite.

Mr Daye added: “The quality of the work is very high and the willingness of local people to display their Carrickfergus in Bloom themed work is commendable.”

Carrickfergus in Bloom and virtual flower show prizewinners will receive their awards at a Town Hall reception next month.

Category winners and runners-up are as follows -

Best kept garden: Joan Reid, Carrickfergus; John O’Neill, Carrickfergus; Chris Hamil, Whitehead; Bill Johnston, Carrickfergus.

Best kept container garden: Annette Keith, Carrickfergus; Christopher Betts, Carrickfergus; Robert Welch, Eden; Ruth Hickey, Carrickfergus.

Best kept community planting scheme: Brooklands Drive Residents Association, Whitehead; Charles Sheils charity, Carrickfergus; Greenisland Environmental and Heritage Group, Greenisland; Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce town centre display.

Best kept commercial premises: The Gallery, Carrickfergus; McMasters Butchers, Whitehead; Glam Hair and Beauty, Whitehead; Northern Bank, Carrickfergus.

Best kept pub or hotel: Coffee and Cream, Whitehead; Brewers Fayre, Carrickfergus; Hillcrest, Carrickfergus.

In addition, all virtual flower show entrants were entered into a prize draw for a camera, which was won by Phil Hodges, Carrickfergus.

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