Launch of Carrickfergus in Bloom 2009
08 May 2009
Alderman May Beattie launched Carrickfergus in Bloom 2009 in the grounds of the historic Andrew Jackson Cottage.
Alderman May Beattie launched Carrickfergus in Bloom 2009 in the grounds of the historic Andrew Jackson Cottage. School children from throughout Carrickfergus Borough, a surprise guest from the Community Circus and the sounds of the APEX Jazz Band also joining in.
"Carrickfergus Borough Council is encouraging everyone who lives within the Borough of Carrickfergus to 'do one more thing' for Carrickfergus in Bloom. Whether you fill a hanging basket, enter one of the 11 competitions, plant a tree or put up bird box. There is something for everyone to do to make our Borough bloom this year." said Alderman Beattie.
"The Council will be planting thousands of summer and spring flowering plants, hundreds hanging baskets as well as thousands of spring flowering bulbs this year. Our tree-planting initiative and the continued reduction of bedding plants in favour of more permanent planting are the ways we are enhancing the environment of Carrickfergus Borough for today and for tomorrow." continued Alderman Beattie
"We will again be organising the Borough-wide Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions. Local communities are encouraged to take part by entering the Best Kept Front Garden and Window Box Competitions. Allotment holders at Eden can enter the Best Kept Allotment Competition sponsored by Sunnybank Garden Centre. Children can take part in the Painting, Poetry, Giant Pumpkin and Tallest Sunflower competitions. Local businesses will also be asked to participate by entering the Best Kept Shop and other Commercial premises section. And Web users and keen photographers can enter the Virtual Flower Show. continued Alderman Beattie
"Carrickfergus Borough Council along with the Department of Environment, Housing Executive and various Community Groups are working together to improve the beauty of Carrickfergus with the use of flowers, colourful shrubs and trees. The significant improvements at the Marine Highway is an excellent example of partnership working." ended Alderman Beattie
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer with Carrickfergus Borough Council said "This year's Carrickfergus in Bloom theme is 'Blooming Wild'. Blooming Wild! is a campaign to encourage people 'to do one more thing' for wildlife in their gardens. The campaign recognises that our local wildlife habitats are increasingly under threat and that every garden, big or small, is a potential mini nature reserve. From small simple changes such as putting up a nest box to larger projects such as building a wildlife pond - any action taken will benefit local garden wildlife. The Blooming Wild! Campaign wants to increase local knowledge of the issues relating to biodiversity within the Borough and we have a number of initiatives that will help individual householders to 'do one more thing' for wildlife.
Stephen Daye continued "we will also be carrying forward our long term theme of Biodiversity in the Garden. Biodiversity encompasses all living things; the diversity of species, the variation of genes that enables organisms to evolve and adapt, and the diverse ecosystems within which organisms interact in a complex web of interdependent relationships. These ecosystems are fragile and if one collapses many others are likely to follow, causing mass extinction of species."
For further information please contact:
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer.
Telephone: 028 9335 8039
E-Mail: inbloom@carrickfergus.org
Web: http://www.carrickfergusinbloom.org
