Mid and East Antrim celebrates ‘blooming’ success!
Tuesday 14 March 2023
Community and Council gardeners from across Northern Ireland were recently presented with their 2022 awards for the sought-after Translink Ulster in Bloom competition, which recognises the work carried out by gardening enthusiasts and council teams in local cities, towns and villages.
Mid and East Antrim once again celebrated tremendous success at the awards.
The event celebrates the fantastic work of green-fingered gardening enthusiasts across the country, and officially recognises the most beautiful plant and floral displays across local cities, towns and villages.
Cullybackey secured first place in the Best Large Village category with Larne Renovation Generation receiving a special award for outstanding presentation.
The Best Station title was awarded to Whitehead Railway Station with Ballymena receiving second place and Larne third place in the Large Town/Small City category. In addition, Ahoghill took second place in the Small Town Category.
Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Beth Adger MBE, said: “This is fantastic news for the Borough. It is tremendous to see the energy and enthusiasm that so many people put into their local towns and villages.
“By actively supporting Translink’s In Bloom’ campaign and community competitions, residents have not only brightened their corner of the Borough, but they have again achieved success in these prestigious awards.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers, Council staff, schools and organisations across Mid and East Antrim for their hard work which has clearly paid off.
“A special mention also goes to Margaret Murphy, from Cullybackey Community Partnership on winning the Ken Powles Community Champion Award in recognition of the lasting and positive difference she has made to her local area by embracing the ‘Ulster in Bloom’ ethos. Well done Margaret.”
Speaking at the results event, Translink Chairman Dr Michael Wardlow said:
“The annual Translink Ulster in Bloom competition is a wonderful demonstration of community spirit and highlights the fantastic work and dedication of volunteers who take exceptional pride in their local areas, big and small. Each worthy winner is a shining example of the true Ulster in Bloom ethos, which brings together knowledge, skill and most importantly enthusiasm, to create beautiful spaces and improve their local environment for everyone to enjoy. The awards also showcase the work and commitment of our Translink staff in stations and halts across Northern Ireland in bringing biodiversity, plants and flowers to these spaces. On behalf of Translink, I’d like to congratulate all our Ulster in Bloom winners and participants.”
The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA). Councillor Frances Burton, Vice President, NILGA, said:
“The participants and winners from the Translink Ulster in Bloom campaign have yet again shone a light on the amazing results which can be achieved through commitment, community engagement and hard work. These awards demonstrate the value which the 11 Councils and our Ulster in Bloom community groups have given in encouraging us to care for our local spaces regardless of size or location. Their hard work and the hours spent planning, planting and pruning make a massive positive impact on the wider environment by supporting biodiversity, conservation and sustainability which improves the quality of life for citizens in our cities, towns and villages.
“On behalf of NILGA, congratulations to everyone and thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.”
If you’re interested in getting involved in the Translink Ulster in Bloom 2023 Competition contact NILGA at T: 028 9079 8972.