The Yorkshire In Bloom summer judging has proved to be a big success for the district with a Gold for Harrogate in the Large Town category; a first place for Starbeck in the Urban Community Category; a first and second in the Village Category for Darley and Hampsthwaite; and a second for Ripon in the Small Town Category.

 

Special Yorkshire Rose awards were made to Ripon Spa Gardens (Summer Floral Award) and the Millennium Green in Spofforth (Public Park Award).

 

The judges commented on the quality of Harrogate's floral, permanent and sustainable planting, the high quality of grass cutting and excellent maintenance standards within parks, open spaces and public areas; they were also particularly impressed by the council's commitment to environmental management and the high level of cleanliness in the town centre and in residential areas.

 

"After last year's Entente Florale victory, it is clear that enthusiasm still continues to flow throughout the town for the In Bloom challenge.  Starbeck has done exceptionally well and once again Harrogate has carried off the Gold," said Councillor Pat Jones, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services.  "It's through the sheer hard work of the Parks, Street Cleansing and Environmental teams and the countless volunteers that the area is always looking so good - and of course, the business community plays a valuable part by displaying hanging baskets and dressing windows year on year.  It looks like Harrogate will remain in Channel 4's ' Best Places to Live in Britain' for some time to come."

 

Alongside Harrogate, Starbeck has pulled off a double, taking first place in the Urban Community Category in the spring and summer judging and also the Most Improved award. Heaping praise on the In Bloom volunteers led by Christine Stewart, the judges commented that the group are to be congratulated on their continuing improvements for the community of Starbeck. 

 

Both Harrogate and Starbeck have been nominated to represent Yorkshire in their categories in Britain in Bloom competition 2006.

 

 

The Starbeck In Bloom team will be celebrating at 1.15pm on Wednesday 14th September in Starbeck (photocall already arranged with Ackrills)

 

FURTHER INFORMATION is available from Sue Wood, Harrogate Borough Council's  Community Liaison Officer 01423 556757. And In Bloom groups

 

Harrogate Chris Beard 01423 885418

Ripon in Bloom Chris Long 01765 602081

Starbeck Christine Stewart 01423 545024

Darley Judi Smith 01423 780526 mob 07989 538597

Hampsthwaite June Sargison 01423 770239

Kirkby Malzeard Gwenyth Jackson 01765 658825

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DARLEY                                                                                           

Darley in Bloom have pulled out all the stops once again with a sizzling colour theme, which dazzled on a hot summer's day ... Perennial and shrub plantings are maturing and proving their value in cost and labour effectiveness.  Many private gardens are excellent newly worthy of mention are the Courtyard Gardens adjacent to the Post Office ... The partnership between school and Old Vicarage Garden should plant the seeds of good gardeners for the future, and possibly lead to children helping to maintain their school garden.

It is a rare pleasure to come across such whole-hearted community involvement as is evident in this thriving village and good gardening seems to be in the genes!  Every business provides and nurtures its own contribution and the private gardens and house frontages throughout the village give pleasure to the eye. The grounds man for the playing fields is to be commended for the exceptional standards he achieves, as is the man who keeps the churchyard immaculate, voluntarily.  And the abundant allotment in the Old Pinfold is a credit to its holders. 

RIPON                                                                                                          

Ripon Racecourse is always a good start to the tour with excellent planting and maintenance carried out by the Racecourse staff. The Ripon in Bloom Committee work in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.  They provide a very high standard of service and advice to the Bloom Committee.

It was good to see the staff and students from Barnardo's Walled Garden working in the town; they are very proud to be associated with Ripon in Bloom. The Spa Garden is an excellent example of both permanent planting and summer bedding and a credit to the staff that carries out the maintenance. The town is very clean and free from litter. It was nice to meet the rest of the committee and volunteers at the end of the tour.  A very good entry.  Well done!