Council reaps green awards
Northumbria in Bloom judge's Liz Lazenby and David Goodchild (left) have a look at a flower bed in Welfare Park, Horden with (left to right) Dick Graham (sponsor) Roddie Bagnell (horden in bloom), Paul Davison (horden parish clerk) June Clark (horden regeneration partnership) and Isabell Roberts (horden in bloom)Picture by FRANK REID
Hard-working gardeners were rewarded for their greenfingered efforts after they took part in an annual competition.
The winners have just been announced in this year’s Peterlee in Bloom awards.
It was a double-triumph for Ron Gibson, who took first place in the large garden category and was named overall winner.
Hazel and Alan Waistell walked away with the top prize in the small garden section.
There were 11 entries in this year’s event, and Peterlee Mayor, Councillor Bob Kyle, who presented the awards, said he hoped more people would support the event next year.
Mayor Kyle, who handed out the awards during a special ceremony at Shotton Hall Banqueting Suites, said: “I was very impressed with the standard of the entries - I went and saw them all.
“They really made an effort and I hope more people are involved next year.”
Mr Gibson won £100 for his efforts, as well as a rose bowl for the overall winner title, and Mrs and Mrs Waistell also won £100.
Ross Weightman of Easington Village-based Plants ‘R’ Ross, sponsored the event and had the tricky task of picking the winners.
He said: “It was very difficult due to the weather conditions this year and you could tell a lot of people put a lot of effort in.
“It was the second year we have done this, and usually the competition was very, very close.
“There were some fantastic gardens and a good all-round standard.”
The winners won various cash prizes of varying denominations and there was also an allotments section.
Janet Hugill, an administration officer for the council who helped to organised the event, thanked everyone for their support. Around £900 of prizes was up for grabs in this year’s event.
The gardens were judged on various criteria, including tidiness and maintenance, layout and design, range of flowers, quality of plants and flowers, and provision for wildlife.
Blooming Horden Parish Council is setting its sights high as it bids for a gold in this year’s Horden in Bloom competition. Judges were in the village last week and will announce their results later. The village won a silver gilt award last year. The village’s Welfare Park and Memorial Parks have retained their Green Flag status for the seventh year running, Thorpe Road Cemetery was also awarded the Green Flag and Welfare Park kept its Green Heritage site award for the fourth consecutive year. Clerk Paul Davison said: “We are doing very well, especially despite the weather. It’s all testiment to our staff who take real pride in their work - that much is obvious.”
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Weather for Peterlee
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North east
