‘In Bloom’ judges in praise of Ahoghill

Hopes are high in Ahoghill of revisiting Britain in Bloom success following last week’s ‘judgement day’ in the village.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Aug 2013, 10:41 BST
Jon Wheatley and Brendan Mowforth, judges with Britain in Bloom, pictured with Deputy Mayor, Cllr. James McClean, members of the traders association and local volunteers in Ahoghill, where they are judging the "Small Town" category. INBT33-201ACJon Wheatley and Brendan Mowforth, judges with Britain in Bloom, pictured with Deputy Mayor, Cllr. James McClean, members of the traders association and local volunteers in Ahoghill, where they are judging the "Small Town" category. INBT33-201AC
Jon Wheatley and Brendan Mowforth, judges with Britain in Bloom, pictured with Deputy Mayor, Cllr. James McClean, members of the traders association and local volunteers in Ahoghill, where they are judging the "Small Town" category. INBT33-201AC

The community will have to wait until mid-October to find out if they have won their ‘Small Town’ category but in the meantime they’re quietly confident in the wake of a visit by judges, Jon Wheatley & Brendan Mowforth, on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Ahoghill Traders’s Association said: “Everything went extremely well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The judges praised the enthusiasm and commitment of the ‘In Bloom’ team and were impressed at the number of additional features added over the last year including the erection of bird boxes, creation of wildflower areas and provision of information boards. They also met local volunteers and chatted with residents of all ages.”

During the visit, a new archway feature at the Straid Road bridge was officially opened by local resident John Moore accompanied by two young volunteers who had recently undertaken a ‘litter pick’ initiative in the village.

The judges also had the opportunity to review some of the restoration work which is being undertaken in the old parish cemetery at Church Street

This year only four small towns have reached the final stages so it is a tremendous achievement for the Ahoghill ‘in bloom’ team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In recent years the efforts of everyone concerned have resulted in several prestigious awards including winning the Ulster in Bloom award on five occasions.

In the RHS Britain in Bloom competition the village has been recognised in each of the last three years, gaining GOLD recognition in 2012.

The 2013 RHS Britain in Bloom finalists will be awarded a Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver or Bronze with the results announced at an award ceremony on October 12.