The Yorkshire In Bloom spring judging has proved to be a big
success for the district with a one, two, three in the Village
Category for Darley, Hampsthwaite and Spofforth with Stockeld; and
Starbeck taking first in the Urban Community Category.
This is what the judges said about the winners:
Darley 182 out of a possible 200 points Village Category
1st place
"Just a few of the many highlights of our tour were the
numerous planters ... Memorial Hall planting,
Fringill Beck, community compost bins, posters, sports and play
area ... It is good to see that all sections of the community are
working together for the benefit of the village."
Starbeck 181 out of a possible 200 points - Urban Community
Category 1st place
"Public areas, such as Prospect Park, Spa Mews, the Beck
and Belmont Park are well maintained, with a mix of seasonal and
sustainable planting and cleanliness and environmental awareness is
evident across the community ... the 'Bloom team' should be proud
of its efforts."
and about the district's runners up:
Hampsthwaite 178 out of a possible 200 points Village
Category 2nd place
"This village was a pleasure to judge, it was clear to see
that all sections of the community including the Village Society,
local businesses and resident associations are behind the 'In
Bloom' campaign ... The whole village was spotlessly clean not one
piece of litter to be seen ... Hampsthwaite has the potential to
become a leading contender in the competition."
Ripon 171 out of a possible 200 points Small Town Category
2nd place
"The judges were met ... by a very keen and active
hands-on-committee. Their involvement shone through the visit
...The support from the City Council and Harrogate Borough Council
was evident with some excellent spring displays and well-maintained
parks and open spaces ... Community involvement played a key role
in bulb planting around the city, but most impressive were the
displays along the bypass ... All should be very proud of their
efforts keep up the good work."
Spofforth with Stockeld - 172 out of a possible 200 points
Village Category 3rd place
"... highlights were the excellent Millennium Garden, the
children's work both in posters and planting and the obvious
publicity at many strategic places."
Patrick Kilburn, Head of Parks and Open Spaces at Harrogate
Borough Council said: " The In Bloom movement is
alive and well in the district and has been for many
years. Entente Florale was a very special
accolade but the hard work of the volunteers, parks staff and the
business community continues to ensure that the environment we live
in is always looking as good as it possibly can be."
FURTHER INFORMATION is available from Sue Wood
Community Liaison Officer
01423 556757 Yorkshire in Bloom or Deb Wright, Parks Development
Manager 01423 556753