Blooming Marvellous Summer -
Green Fingers turn up the flower power
1 September 2004
The visits are over, the votes have been cast, and the Judges have made their final decisions. The results of the 26th Ulster in Bloom Competition are in!
Despite the dismal weather, it still proved to be a blooming marvellous summer for Derry’s green-fingered gardeners as they turned up the flower power to win the City Category of this year’s competition.
Organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and sponsored by Translink, the competition has once again seen teams of dedicated horticulturalists transform Northern Ireland’s cities, towns, villages, bus and railway stations into flower filled, picture postcard scenes.
Speaking as the winners were announced at an event in Cultra Manor today (1 September) Translink Chairman, Dr Joan Smyth CBE, said that the entries had made Northern Ireland’s summer season more attractive than ever for visitors and residents alike.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t do anything about the weather, however the 145 entries across the 14 categories in this years competition certainly made Northern Ireland’s summer season more colourful,” Dr Smyth said.
“Since sowing the first seeds of sponsorship with this excellent annual competition six years ago, we have witnessed it grow each year. Indeed, in addition to the return of the medallion bed category, this year we introduced a pilot category to encourage local community groups to incorporate their local rail halts within their floral plans.
“So while I congratulate each of this year’s winners, I would particularly like to highlight the excellent work of the Brighter Whitehead Community Group, whose efforts made Whitehead Station the inaugural winner of our new category. I also applaud our staff at Carrickfergus railway station for once again proving their planting prowess by retaining the coveted Floral Station category.” Dr Smyth said.
Mrs Irene Adair MBE, Board Member of Northern Ireland Tourist Board, added her congratulations.
“The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is very grateful to Translink for their continuing sponsorship and, as ever, is pleased to be associated with Ulster in Bloom. Since the launch of the competition in 1979 we have watched it grow in stature into the prestigious competition it is today. Ulster in Bloom is a magnificent opportunity for our cities, towns and villages to enhance their surroundings and create beautiful displays that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
“NITB would like to thank all those whose hard work and imagination has been the backbone of the competition over the years and we congratulate everyone who took part, especially the winners.”
Dr Smyth concluded by reminding the guests and winners that the Ulster in Bloom train had yet to come to a complete stop.
“In the coming weeks we will launching the 2004-2005 schools art competition, so I would ask you all to encourage your younger relatives and friends to take part.” Dr Smyth said.
Ends.
For further press information contact Christopher Carson at Morrow Communications on 028 9039 3837 email c.carson@morrowcommunications.com
The full list of winners is as follows:
Category Placing
1st 2nd 3rd
City Londonderry Belfast
Large Town Ballymena Carrickfergus Bangor
Town Dungannon Coleraine Newry City
Small Town Moira Whitehead Cookstown
Large Village Broughshane Waringstown Moy
Small Village Scarva Bryansford Ballyeaston
Most Improved Crossmaglen
Crystal Award Antrim Borough Council - for outstanding effort and enthusiastic contribution to Translink ‘Ulster in Bloom’ throughout the Council area
‘Roses in Towns’
Trophy City of Lisburn – presented by Belfast City Council to the city town or village (other than Belfast) which uses roses to the best advantage in public areas
Special Awards 1. Lough Erne Hotel, Kesh
2. Northern Bank, Whitehead
3. The Errigle Inn, Belfast
4. The Fountain Centre, Belfast
Medallion bed winner: Londonderry
Heritage Award Winner (Presented by the Royal Horticultural Society)
Scarva
* Four Nominations for ‘Britain in Bloom’ – 2004/5
1. Londonderry - City category
2. Dungannon - Town category
3. Moira - Small Town category
4. Broughshane - Large Village category
5. Whitehead - Small Seaside category
Translink Ulster In Bloom 2004 Floral Station Category
Placing Station Name
1st - Carrickfergus Railway Station
2nd - Larne Bus Station
3rd - Derry Bus Station
Community Rail Halt – (new category) Whitehead Railway Station
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