Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick, was delighted to be able to meet with members of the ‘Britain in Bloom’ judging panel, who recently toured Newcastle as part of this year’s competition.
The ‘Britain in Bloom’ competition is one of Europe’s largest horticultural campaigns and has been running since 1964. More than 1,600 cities, towns, villages and urban communities take part each year with only 80 reaching the UK finals.
Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said: “Following on from Newcastle’s success in ‘Ulster in Bloom’ the town was rewarded with entry into the prestigious ‘Britain in Bloom’ competition. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and residents have worked hard to make Newcastle a beautiful place to live, work and visit and we hope the judges will enjoy seeing its natural beauty, from its golden sands to the famous Mourne Mountains.
“It is our privilege and responsibility not only to preserve this natural beauty for future generations but to do all we can to enhance it and to share this with all those who come to visit.”
The ‘Britain in Bloom’ judges are not only looking for horticultural excellence, but will also wish to see evidence of environmental responsibility and community participation. Where ‘problem’ areas exist such as vacant premises, plots or eyesores they will look to see what plans are in place to address these.
To be successful in ‘Britain in Bloom’ it is not just about having eye-catching spring and summer displays. It requires a year-round programme of activity to improve, enhance and maintain the local environment and get the community actively engaged in keeping things at their best. The judges will therefore want to see evidence of a programme of work that continues long after their tour has ended.
Judging took place on Friday 12 August with results announced in October.
