Mayor’s praise for Ulster in Bloom winners

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim had the pleasure of joining volunteers from across the borough at the Translink Ulster in Bloom awards presentation hosted at Cultra Manor.

The popular environmental, community and horticultural awards saw local cities, towns and villages presented for their work creating the most beautiful plant and floral displays and for community-led projects which bring people together to clean up local beauty spots and build areas for people to enjoy nature.

Several awards were taken home to Mid and East Antrim, including the Large Town / Small City Award which went to Ballymena. 

The Large Village Award went to Cullybackey with the Best Station title going to Whitehead Railway Station.

Special Award winners were recognised at the event which included the Youth Award which went to Oliver Rawle of Ahoghill for his support for Ahoghill in Bloom.

A number of Mid and East Antrim’s villages and towns were also recognised at the awards with Glenarm placing 3^rd and Ballystrudder placing 2^nd in the Best Village Award.

Whitehead took 3^rd place with Ahoghill 2^nd in the Best Small Town Award.

In the Best Large Town/Small City Award category Larne was placed joint third with Coleraine with Carrickfergus being awarded 2^nd place.

Mayor Councillor William McCaughey said: “A huge well done to all our winners and all those who were recognised by the Ulster in Bloom judges.

“So many people in our Borough give selflessly of their time by volunteering to keep our borough looking beautiful for all our residents and visitors. As Mayor, I thank them and all our staff for their continued efforts and commitment.”

Speaking at the presentation of awards, Translink Chairman Dr Michael Wardlow said: “Translink is proud to continue its support of Ulster in Bloom which illustrates the wonderful community spirit that exists in cities, towns and villages across Northern Ireland. As Northern Ireland’s public transport provider, servicing communities large and small, it’s fantastic to see the time and dedication of volunteers, council workers and local groups being recognised and celebrated.

“At Translink we’re also playing a part in making the world we live in a cleaner, greener place to enjoy, so it’s great to see sustainability and biodiversity such a major element in the work of this year’s winners. On behalf of Translink, I’d like to congratulate all our Ulster in Bloom Champions and I look forward to watching next year’s entries blossom in the coming months.”

The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland local Government Association (NILGA). Cllr Frances Burton, Vice President, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, said: “As NILGA’s President, I’m delighted to be with you all today. I must initially express our appreciation and congratulations to everyone who participates and contributes to the Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition.

"As your Local Government Association, NILGA represents, promotes, sustains and improves local government on behalf of all councils and the competition helps us, as NILGA, councils and councillors, to focus on improving the quality of life for citizens right across the region, while also enhancing our cities, towns and villages.

“For everyone involved, Translink Ulster in Bloom celebrates the successes that can be achieved when we all come together to take pride in the places where we live and work, and together, create a better environment for everyone to enjoy.”

If you’re interested in getting involved in the Translink Ulster in Bloom 2022 Competition contact NILGA on (0)28 9079 8972 or email office@nilga.org.