Rose Award Success for Borough
13 September 2012
Carrickfergus Town has been award the Translink Ulster in Bloom – Roses in Towns Trophy for 2012 at an award ceremony at Belfast Castle today. The Roses in Towns Trophy, is presented annually to the Council area with the best display of roses. The Borough also received the Best Station Award for Carrickfergus Rail & Bus Station and Best Community Rail Halt Award for Whitehead Rail Station.
Alderman May Beattie said "The three awards received today is recognition of the horticultural talent we have within the borough. Translink Ulster in Bloom is a great opportunity for our Borough to enhance its surroundings and create beautiful displays that are enjoyed by everybody. Our Borough is renowned for its floral displays which are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative also plays a critical role in bringing people and investment to the town. However, it's important to say that issues such as cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement are equally as important. In the Borough, the 'In Bloom' initiative is much more than bedding plants and making the Borough look good for one day; instead it is a 365 day initiative. Carrickfergus Borough Council along with our partners have done a wonderful job in broadening the appeal of the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative, by getting people to work together we have made our Borough better. Our successes within Ulster in Bloom could not have happened without the generous support of local people, community groups, businesses and other statuary bodies. I would like to thank the Council’s Parks and Cleansing staff whose hard work and imagination has been the backbone of our entries over many years and I congratulate everyone who took part this year." Ended Alderman May Beattie
Also 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.
Related Link
For further information please contact:
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer
Telephone: 028 93358000
E-Mail: inbloom@carrickfergus.org
