Published 13 September 2012 @ 17:16
Gardeners throughout Northern Ireland are celebrating following the results announcement (Thursday 13th September) of the 2012 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition. Category winners in the 34th Translink Ulster in Bloom competition include: Derry City (City), Bangor (Large Town), Coleraine (Town), Ahoghill (Small Town), Broughshane (Large Village), Glenarm (Village) and Scarva (Small Village).
The ‘Most Improved’ title went to Portrush while Carrickfergus scooped the ‘Roses in Towns’ award.
Lisburn City Council received the ‘NITB Crystal Award’ for embracing the tourist board’s ‘ni2012’ themes within Hillsborough village’s ‘Oyster Festival’ flower bed.
Special awards for outstanding presentation were presented to The Duke of York bar in Belfast, The Watermargin Restaurant in Coleraine, The Old Inn at Crawfordsburn, Castlerock Caravan Park and Antrim Castle Walled Garden.
The horticultural talent of community groups and Translink employees was also recognised with Carrickfergus Train Station winning the Best Floral Station award and Brighter Whitehead community group achieving the Community Rail Halt Award for their work at Whitehead Train Station.
Speaking at the results announcement ceremony in Belfast Castle, Angela Coffey, board member, NITHC/Translink, said:
“The standard of entries in this year’s competition was exceptionally high. We have seen a number of newcomers reach the top three placings and would like to congratulate all the winners and runners-up. We hope their impressive displays will encourage even more people to get involved in Ulster in Bloom next year and to visit our towns, cities and villages to enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants on show.
“We launched this year’s competition by calling on local gardeners to plant more pollinator flowers as part of our Translink ‘Go Eco’ drive and partnership with Business in the Community to champion Biodiversity. We were pleased to see that many of this year’s participants embraced this initiative and are helping support insect life and biodiversity throughout Northern Ireland,” said Angela.
Councillor Freda Donnelly, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, said:
“It is my pleasure and privilege to represent the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and convey their admiration, appreciation and encouragement to all the Councillors, Councils, the local ‘In-Bloom’ committees and the many people who support and actively participate in the Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition.
“As a Councillor I recognise the improvements in my constituency area of Armagh, I am very conscious of the savings that can be achieved for rate-payers through involvement in the Competition. A feeling of ownership by the residents is very helpful in combating vandalism and the nuisance of anti - social behaviour, besides providing education through good example. An attractive environment also has a positive impact on tourists, encouraging them to visit, which consecutively supports the local economy.
“My congratulations to all the finalists and a big thank you to the sponsors, the judges, the Councils and all those who make the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition what it is today.”
Duncan McCausland, board member, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said:
“We are proud to have worked with Ulster in Bloom over the last number of years and commend the enthusiastic efforts and hard work of all the entrants. 2012 is a big year for Northern Ireland and it is great to see how this year, the special ni2012-themed category has offered another chance to showcase the ‘Giants’ of Northern Ireland.
“This competition plays an important role in making Northern Ireland a must-see destination by bringing colour and vibrancy to our towns and villages creating an appeal for both domestic and international visitors. And of course this helps to increase our own civic pride in where we live.
The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is organised by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association with the support of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
- ENDS –
FULL RESULTS ENCLOSED BELOW.
THE RESULTS OF THE 2012 TRANSLINK 'ULSTER IN BLOOM' COMPETITION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
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CATEGORY
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placings
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1ST
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2ND
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3RD
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City
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Derry City
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Belfast City
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Large Town
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Bangor
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Antrim
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Newry
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Town
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Coleraine
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Holywood and Larne
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Enniskillen
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Small Town
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Ahoghill
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Portrush
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Richhill
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Large Village
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Broughshane
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Hillsborough
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Donaghcloney
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Village
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Glenarm
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Tobermore and
Crawfordsburn
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Castlecaulfield
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Small Village
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Scarva
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Bryansford
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Charlestown Village
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Most Improved
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Portrush
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Crystal Award
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Lisburn City Council (Hillsborough Oyster Festival bed)
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'Roses In Towns' Trophy
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Awarded to Carrickfergus
Presented by Belfast City Council to the city, town or village, (other than Belfast), who uses roses to the best advantage in public areas.
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Special Awards
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Awarded to the following for outstanding presentation:
1- The Duke of York
2- The Watermargin
3- The Old Inn Crawfordsburn
4- Castlerock Caravan Park
5- Antrim Castle Walled Garden
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Nominations for ‘Britain in Bloom’ – 2013
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All subject to Council and RHS approval.
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1. Derry City
2. Coleraine
3. Ahoghill
4. Broughshane
5. Scarva
6. Bangor
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Small City category
Town category
Small Town category
Large Village category
Village Category
Large Coastal TownCategory.
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FLORAL STATION CATEGORY
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placings
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1ST
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2ND
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3RD
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Best Station Award
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Carrickfergus Rail Station
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Newcastle Bus Station
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Londonderry Bus Station – Foyle Street
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Community Rail Halt Award
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Whitehead Rail Station
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Carnalea Rail Hail
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Castlerock Rail Halt
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