2022 nib
competition results
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MAIN COMPETITION AWARDS
BEST OVERALL ENTRY
The Percy Boydell Award
WASHINGTON VILLAGE
“A fantastic example of Northumbria in Bloom at its best. The whole village works together seamlessly and has achieved stunning results that are appreciated by all. The choice of high impact perennials and shrubs throughout the village presents a long-term low maintenance strategy, and the celebration of historical links shows a real sense of pride of place. Support for biodiversity, composting and recycling is evident throughout the village.”
MOST IMPROVED ENTRY
DARLINGTON
“Darlington is an old Quaker city with quite a new twist. It has tree planters and a city trail which have QR codes, the central retail area is most attractive with a cascade water feature, and planters filled with a selection of exotic plants, palms and cordylines. The riverside is a quieter part of the city with a wildflower area, raised beds and trees with plenty of seats. The passageways of the city are filled with containers and an eclectic mix of well chosen plants, including a living green wall. The whole city is clean and tidy, supported by the volunteers who put in many hours. A visit to South Park is to be encouraged”.
BEST NEW ENTRY
The Whickham Award
COWPEN BEWLEY
“Darlington is an old Quaker city with quite a new twist. It has tree planters and a city trail which have QR codes, the central retail area is most attractive with a cascade water feature, and planters filled with a selection of exotic plants, palms and cordylines. The riverside is a quieter part of the city with a wildflower area, raised beds and trees with plenty of seats. The passageways of the city are filled with containers and an eclectic mix of well chosen plants, including a living green wall. The whole city is clean and tidy, supported by the volunteers who put in many hours. A visit to South Park is to be encouraged”.
BEST ENTRY IN SPRING
ALNWICK
“A visit to Alnwick in springtime gives a floral festival of flowering cherry trees, daffodils, many other lovely bulbs and colourful attractive bedding in many locations. There are beautiful cherry trees in The Alnwick Garden, in the Column Field and in many areas around the town. The display of daffodils adjacent to Alnwick Castle is magnificent and a new sensory garden near the hospital entrance provides disabled access to a peaceful area for patients and families. The horticultural planning and effort by the Alnwick in Bloom volunteers is evidenced throughout the town eg The Pinfold, The Pottergate garden and other areas and the volunteers can be justly proud of their achievements. The “Roots and Shoots” team in Alnwick Garden is working with ten schools, The Young Gardener Programme and The Gentlemen’s Club with considerable success and enjoyment. More cherry trees, oak and willow trees have been planted and the Wildlife Corridor along the Willow Burn is thriving. New mosaics and benches have been installed”
Please note:
- Gold – outstanding
- Silver Gilt – very good
- Silver – good
- Bronze – average
- Merit – Fair
SMALL VILLAGES
COWPEN BEWLEY
“The judges were very impressed with the transformation of the village. The whole area was extremely clean with no litter, bright and cheerful with flowers and various knitted animals and flowers produced by the local yarn bombers. In particular the judges were delighted with the area around the telephone kiosk. It was good to meet and chat to so many of the residents and hear how much they are enjoying being part of the ‘In Bloom’ experience”.
- Cowpen Bewley – Silver Gilt
- Middleton Hall Retirement Village – Silver Gilt
VILLAGES
WASHINGTON VILLAGE
“A fantastic example of Northumbria in Bloom at its best. The whole village works together seamlessly and has achieved stunning results that are appreciated by all. The choice of high impact perennials and shrubs throughout the village presents a long-term low maintenance strategy, and the celebration of historical links shows a real sense of pride of place. Support for biodiversity, composting and recycling is evident throughout the village”.
- Greatham – Silver Gilt
- Horncliffe– Gold
- Lesbury – Silver
- Washington Village – Gold
LARGE VILLAGES
HOLYWELL
“Holywell is a Bloom entry working hard to engage with all sectors of the community. Their determination to consider environmental factors in all that they do bodes well for the future. The work already done is clear for all to see”.
- Fishburn – Bronze
- Holywell – Silver Gilt
- Hunwick – Silver
- West Auckland – Silver Gilt
SMALL TOWNS
SEDGEFIELD
“Sedgefield is a delight to visit. The more one looks around, the more can be seen of the committed ethos of the In Bloom group in the practical activities going on in the town. In all aspects of horticulture, environment and community, the group has reached the highest standards with enthusiasm and commitment”.
- Sacriston – Silver Gilt
- Sedgefield – Gold
TOWNS
ALNWICK
“Alnwick town is welcoming with beautiful spring and summer bedding schemes and there are many areas with attractive pollinator friendly permanent planting. The huge commitment of many volunteers and businesses plus the community spirit to make Alnwick town even more beautiful are much to be commended. The 170 Japanese cherry trees donated to the town make a spring visit a very good plan indeed”.
- Alnwick – Gold
- Catchgate and Annfield Plain – Silver
- Hexham – Gold
LARGE TOWNS
STANLEY
“Stanley have shown what can be achieved with forethought, planning and inviting the right parties to the table. The hard work is paying off, the proud entrance gateways are a talking point in neighbouring areas. Efforts to continue to use horticulture as a mechanism to ensure local people and visitors to Stanley feel safe and welcomed should continue as the green spaces in and around Stanley are looking magnificent. The commitment to growing the horticultural team by taking on a new apprentice is also testimony to Stanley’s commitment to use horticulture to inspire and improve lives”.
- Blyth – Silver Gilt
- Chester-le-Street – Silver
- Stanley – Silver Gilt
SMALL CITY
DURHAM
“Durham City is alive with colour from all of its many displays on the main entrances to the city centre. The raised effect beds on many roundabouts combined with the high quality of grass and flower beds and the feature maintenance is to be commended. All groups are committed to improving their environment and the many volunteer groups happily work together to one goal. The Botanic Garden, Wharton Park, Allotments and the local business community supported by BID and the Universities with the Dean and Chapter, are all to be congratulated on their efforts”
- Durham – Gold
URBAN COMMUNITY
BELMONT
“Belmont was once a mining community but is now an urban area close to Durham city. Despite this, considerable efforts are being made to improve and soften the environment for local residents. The Scrambles Nature Reserve on the edge of Belmont is a wonderful resource for the residents and local wildlife. The council is to be commended for bringing together a range of groups of residents, volunteers, ‘Friends’ and council staff to enhance the environment through horticulture”.
- Belmont – Silver
COASTAL RESORT
SEAHAM
“Seaham has many planted areas of a high standard and there are many Heritage displays throughout the town including the historic lifeboat museum. They are a pleasure to visit and are appreciated by residents and visitors alike. The local businesses are working together with the council to improve their local environment. They are trialling the use of hot water weed removal machines which are working well within the town”.
- Seaham – Gold
CITY CENTRE
DARLINGTON
“Darlington is an old Quaker city with quite a new twist. It has tree planters and a city trail which have QR codes, the central retail area is most attractive with a cascade water feature, and planters filled with a selection of exotic plants, palms and cordylines. The riverside is a quieter part of the city with a wildflower area, raised beds and trees with plenty of seats. The passageways of the city are filled with containers and an eclectic mix of well chosen plants, including a living green wall. The whole city is clean and tidy, supported by the volunteers who put in many hours. A visit to South Park is to be encouraged”.
- Darlington – Gold
SPECIAL CATEGORY AWARDS
Community Champions
For a truly outstanding contribution over several years by individuals, whether salaried or volunteer, in support of Northumbria in Bloom.
Mark Turner, Head Teacher, Durham Gilesgate Primary School.
“After obtaining National Lottery funding in 2013 Mr. Turner led the school, parents and the wider community to transform a piece of waste land into a beautiful and now well- established allotment. This year, in his Easter holiday break, further maintenance work has been carried out by him and another volunteer to make the raised beds safe and future-proof. The allotment is a valued asset for many aspects of the curriculum from science to maths to history, and the food grown is eaten by the children either fresh off the fruit trees or via the school kitchen. Every autumn the school sells the last of the autumn crop to raise money to buy seeds for the next year.
In addition to this Mr Turner leads the school to take part in numerous planting schemes across the wider community, for example bulb planting and realising the much admired Gilesgate Carpet Bed at the gateway to Durham city. He is a true Community Champion and an inspiration to generations of children!”
Ken Neat, Chairman of the Friends of Belmont Scrambles.
Ken has made a truly outstanding contribution to Belmont with his tireless conservation work at the Scrambles site. The abandoned ex-industrial site has been transformed with the planting of native UK tree saplings as part of a 10 year woodland management scheme. He and his team of volunteers have planted a ‘night garden’ specifically to attract insects which only feed at night, and snowdrops and bluebells flourish all around the site in spring. The wetland area has its own particular mix of flora.
His involvement with local schools and the Cubs and Beavers has seen many projects come to fruition, such as installing bird and bat boxes, and clearing Himalayan Balsam. This last project has contributed to the Duke of Edinburgh awards for local children. The Scrambles is truly valued by the local community and it’s all down to the vision and leadership of Ken Neat!
Debra Rogan – Just For Women Project, Stanley
“Debra works with the Young Women’s Project and also local schools in the Stanley area but when the Just for Women Centre moved into new premises in 2018 she volunteered to take on the refurbishment of the enclosed garden. Gathering a group of volunteers together she has transformed the area from a neglected weedy patch into a beautiful, quiet space for people to sit and enjoy their environment. It is now renamed the Serenity Garden. This year the project has expanded to take in the area outside the tea room, and also across the road at the Police Station, bringing colour and pride to the area.
Debra has fostered a group of volunteers to work towards a common goal, with neighbours getting to know each other whilst developing a healthy hobby. All this combats social isolation and boosts mental health at the same time beautifying the environment”.
Best Business and Out of Town Retail Park
NEWCASTLE BUSINESS PARK, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – Gold
“The judges were very impressed with the overall landscape of the business park and the way it is managed and maintained. The wonderful treescape and sculptural shrub planting throughout the site is complemented by very colourful floral displays at strategic points that provide strong impact. Overall the site is very clean and tidy; street furniture, artworks and interpretation panels are all well maintained and attractive. The recycling of green waste, the use of this as a mulch to reduce chemical weed control, and the use of EV machinery is commended. Areas of re-wilding to encourage wildlife conservation and biodiversity complement the more formal planting schemes”.
- Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne – Gold
- Greencroft Industrial Estate, Stanley – Silver
- Seaham Marina – Silver
Best School
GILESGATE PRIMARY SCHOOL, BELMONT – Gold
“Gilesgate Primary School is a delight. The refurbished beds are full of a spectacular display of dahlias and other perennials, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Once the children have helped to lift the crop and put the trimmings on the compost heap the produce goes to the school kitchen. The pond is fed by a water catchment scheme and it is full of life. The outdoor classroom enables lessons in English, Maths, Science and History to be both educational and fun”.
- Gilesgate Primary School, Belmont – Gold
- Fishburn Primary School – Silver
- St. Bede’s RCVA School, Sacriston – Bronze
- Croft Special School, Greencroft Road End, Annfield Plain – Silver Gilt
- Oakley Cross Primary School, West Auckland – Silver Gilt
- St Josephs Catholic Primary School, Stanley – Gold
- Swansfield Park School, Alnwick – Gold
Best Care/Residential/Convalescent Home/Hospice or Day Centre
STANLEY PARK CARE HOME, STANLEY – Gold
“Stanley Park Care Home has created a series of well-tended, well planned and well executed pocket gardens, each with their own micro climate and surroundings. The gardens demonstrate creativity, creating visual impact by using a variety of colour themes, structural planting such as the hedges and shrub beds as boundaries or backdrops, as well as each area being themed to stimulate residents and encourage and enable participation in outside activities. Produce from the edible garden areas are used in meal preparation. The introduction of the wildlife bed will be another area of interest and benefit to both residents and wildlife. The incorporation of both structure and flowers together creates a fun but very useable space”
- Stanley Park Care Home, Stanley – Gold
- St. Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham – Gold
- Concord House, Holywell – Silver Gilt
Best Religious Establishment
HEXHAM CEMETERY – Gold
“The cemetery was laid out over 100 years ago and has a peaceful and tranquil presence. The entrance is spectacular with eight 150 year old Giant Redwoods and the entrance flower beds and large planters have beautiful colour-coordinated annuals. The new trees planted in the woodland burial area are doing well. The bird and bat boxes are well used and most of the water used is rain collected and stored in an underground tank for later use. There are no noticeable weeds, the grass is immaculate and the paths are well maintained. Grave stones are tested and repaired on a regular basis. The attention to detail in this cemetery is excellent”.
- Hexham Cemetery – Gold
- Holy Trinity Church (Church on the Hill), Washington Village – Silver Gilt
- St Cuthbert’s RC Church Grounds at Ropery Lane, Chester le Street – Gold
- Dean & Chapter of Durham Cathedral – Silver Gilt
- Alnwick Cemetery – Silver Gilt
- Belmont Cemetery – Silver Gilt
- Atisha Kadampa Buddhist Centre, Darlington – Silver Gilt
Best Commercial Premises (Small)
JUST FOR WOMEN CENTRE, STANLEY – Gold
“Their Gold Award reflects the work and horticultural achievement at the centre. The frontage is eye-catching and appealing to passers-by, with use of colour, height, creativity and the use of flowers being repeated in pots, the wheelbarrow and the hanging basket, all complementing the floral themed window display. The safe space garden to the rear of the project has been enhanced with the use of artwork made from recycled wood; again, using height, structure and colour to create a tranquil feel to an intrinsic element of the healing work that they deliver”.
- Just For Women Centre, Stanley – Gold
- The Quarry Tea House, Hunwick – Silver Gilt
- Lesbury Post Office – Gold
- Seeds of Change, Sunderland – Silver Gilt
Best Commercial Premises (Large)
ORD HOUSE COUNTRY PARK – Gold
“The floral displays upon entering the Park are fantastic, very well designed, planted and maintained and extremely eye catching. The maintenance of all areas around the Park is very impressive with attention to detail everywhere. There is a lot of bedding and many areas of sustainable planting with trees, shrubs and perennials. There are numerous bird boxes, made on site, bug hotels, a hedgehog box and a pond to help attract and sustain wildlife. Access around the whole site is very good and benches are provided at strategic points. A woodland perimeter walk of the site is another great feature. The whole team obviously take a great pride in the Park and maintain it to the highest standards”.
- Ord House Country Park, Berwick – Gold
Woodhill Hall, Otterburn – Silver Gilt
Best Pub
THE JOHN BULL, ALNWICK – Gold
“This is a most amazing and unusual public house courtyard with recycling ideas on every surface. For example, empty cans have been used to make table bases and a school desk has a new life as a table. There are plants on every surface and every wall, with a striking large clematis dominating the whole space. There are many hanging baskets containing pelargoniums of all shades”.
- The John Bull, Alnwick – Gold
- Cross Keys Public House, Washington Village – Silver Gilt
- The Three Horseshoes Pub, Cowpen Bewley – Silver
- The Ball Alley Public House, Stanley – Silver Gilt
- The Dun Cow Inn, Sedgefield – Silver Gilt
- Tapas Bar, Darlington – Silver Gilt
Joint Best Hotel / Guest House
SOUTH CAUSEY INN AND HOTEL, STANLEY – Gold
“In just 18 months Stephen, of no previous horticultural knowledge or experience, has designed, developed and delivered a number of varied, productive, floral, structural and seasonal displays. By recycling various props such as old guttering, bins, mangers, troughs and even a fountain, there is an interesting floral display where ever you look. Judges were impressed with how well he has developed the site, taking on board comments from spring judging and using the ideas as a springboard to maximise the displays in some of the trickier borders. The overall effect and impact is both striking and appropriate to the landscape and setting”.
THE COOKIE JAR, ALNWICK – Gold
“The gorgeous street window boxes are a preliminary treat being contiguous with the colour scheme of blue and green of the whole garden. All the plants in this magnificent garden are in excellent condition and well cared for. The design of the rear garden has made a beautiful and peaceful space, the hard landscaping is well executed and there are no weeds. The overall impression of tranquility befits a property that was once a nunnery”.
- The South Causey Inn and Hotel, Stanley – Gold
- The Cookie Jar, Alnwick – Gold
- The County Hotel, Hexham – Silver Gilt
- Walls Bed & Breakfast, Berwick – Gold
- Michaelangelo’s Hotel and Restaurant, Blaydon – Silver Gilt
- Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester le Street – Gold
- Ramside Hall Hotel, Belmont – Gold
- Seaham Hall Hotel – Gold
Best Conservation
WYDON WATER, HEXHAM – Gold
“The Wydon Water Flood Relief Scheme has helped to transform the previous flooding problems in the town and has evolved into a very special wildlife haven which is well maintained. There are noticeboards explaining and identifying the planting which include a huge variety of meadow plants and bushes which are very attractive to a large number of insects, birds and other animals. The well-used paths and steps, allow access for walkers, dog walkers and anglers. The fishing platforms are wheelchair accessible and the water is regularly restocked with fish. The life belts have been upgraded. The level of the water flowing down onto the town is carefully regulated and the banks of the dam routinely inspected. Wydon Water is a wonderful asset for the town”
- Wydon Water, Hexham – Gold
- Friends of Crofton Field, Blyth – Gold
- Bullfield Community Orchard, Alnwick – Silver Gilt
- Belmont Scrambles – Silver Gilt
- Walled Garden, Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland – Gold
- East Ord Nature Walk, Berwick – Gold
Best Bus/Metro/Railway Station
ALNMOUTH RAILWAY STATION – Gold
“The South Bank at the station carpark entrance continues to give pleasure with a good choice of shrubs and perennials ideally suited to the hostile conditions. Two large planters with a pair of clematis planted on a central obelisk grace the area by the coffee van. Filled with colourful annuals, they are a bright addition to the carpark. The large planters on the south-bound platform have been replanted with cordylines for the central height surrounded by perennials and ivy with some annuals for impact. New baskets attached to the fascia boards of the ticket office are filled with vibrant annuals chosen to complement the blue paint on the building. A striking new poster has been installed on both platforms and shows the artwork produced by local children, consisting of a collage of paintings of wildlife and architectural places of interest overlaying ordnance survey maps of the area”.
- Alnmouth Railway Station – Gold
Best Park
SEAHAM TOWN PARK – Gold
“Seaham Town Park is a well-used park and holds a green flag award for excellence. There are many facilities for all age groups to enjoy, including a multi-use games area, bowling greens and children’s play areas, a café with free parking and a war memorial at the rear of the Town Hall. The park’s colourful and varied planted borders are a pleasure to see”.
- Seaham Town Park – Gold
- Hexham Parks – Silver Gilt
- Ridley Park, Blyth – Gold
- Riverside Park, Chester le Street – Silver Gilt
- South Park, Darlington – Gold
- Wharton Park, Durham – Gold
Best Town Centre Retail Area / BIDs
DURHAM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT – Gold
“Durham BID is a major supporter of Durham in Bloom; it supports the local business community in the city and sponsors the council to provide many hanging baskets, tower planters and tubs to the benefit of the traders and shops to help encourage visitors to the area, all adding a bright and colourful vista for all who visit the city and market place. The Durham BID is to be commended on its continued support of Durham in Bloom and the business community”.
- Durham Business Improvement District – Gold
- The Market Place, Bishop Auckland – Gold
- Seaton Delaval in Bloom – Silver Gilt
Best Private Garden
SWANSFIELD PARK ROAD, ALNWICK – Gold
“This very attractive and eye catching garden is a joy for all the residents in the street. It is beautifully planted with a wonderful selection of colourful and well-chosen annuals and perennials in pots and in the beds. The green foliage planting offers excellent contrast to enhance the horticultural achievement. The many hanging baskets are artistically positioned and look lovely. Everywhere is immaculate and there are interesting features- a colourful wooden bench, an old plough and weighing scales. Congratulations to the gardener”
- Swansfield Park Road, Alnwick – Gold
- Woodbine House, Hunwick – Gold
- Judith Brennan & Richard Hurst, Stanley – Silver Gilt
- Dennis & Sue Brown, Durham – Gold
- Thomas Davison, Lesbury – Silver Gilt
- Philip Wall, Belmont – Gold
Best Grounds of a Hospital, University or Public Building
CEDDESFELD HALL, SEDGEFIELD – Gold
“Ceddesfeld Gardens and Hall are Grade 2 listed, and are beautifully maintained by both the Town Council and the Bloom group. They provide interesting, tranquil spaces which respect both the environment and the need to be used by a wide range of community groups. The Bloom group have developed a range of colourful beds around the hall, using perennials with only a few seasonal annual plants. The shaded woodland areas are full of interest with appropriate plants and a new stumpery with ferns. Log piles provide hiding places for hedgehogs and birds nest in boxes and in hidden corners. The area is kept spotlessly clean whilst still being accessible to the public to enjoy for picnics or stroll”.
- Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield – Gold
- University of Sunderland – Gold
- Hexham General Hospital – Silver Gilt
- Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham – Gold
Best Sports Ground
HEXHAM GOLF CLUB – Gold
“The greens are immaculate and the remainder of the grass is well cared for. The use of herbicides has been reduced to a minimum and the grass allowed to grow long in the rough. The 68 tree species are all well maintained, with one oak being 400 years old, and storm damaged trees have been cleared away. The many floral species have been identified. The attention to the environment has resulted in many species of mammals and birds living on the course. Members have built and installed bird and bat boxes and they also take care of perennial planting adjacent to the club house. The hanging baskets are well watered. There are very few weeds and those in the front gravel area are hand weeded to avoid the use of sprays. This is an exemplary facility and the efforts to help the environment are spectacular”.
- Hexham Golf Club – Gold
Sedgefield Cricket Club – Silver
Best Residential Community
LIBERTY GREEN, WASHINGTON VILLAGE – Gold
“There is a mixed shrub and perennial bed in this residential area, with a ‘W’ formed of evergreens on the roadside. On the side of the entrance road, a large rockery looking very full and vibrant provides plenty of interest and colour despite the challenges posed by the lack of soil depth and shade cast by the overhanging trees. Two wall-trained fruit trees are growing well. A wooden seat on the roadside has integral planters which are currently planted with small bedding plants. There is a bug hotel and a dovecote on the large wall, and there are plans to install water butts in several locations”.
- Residents of Whitehouse Farm, Greatham – Gold
- Tanfield Villa, Tanfield – Silver Gilt
- Orchard Terrace, Lesbury – Gold
- Wantage Road, Belmont – Gold
- St. Paul’s Court, Alnwick – Gold
- South View Cottages, Hunwick – Gold
Best Allotments
BELMONT ALLOTMENTS, BELMONT – Gold
“The allotments are on a small but very well used site, very clever in the way it is planted up so that all the various groups can achieve a very comprehensive gardening standard, from the youngest to the oldest. The site is a pleasure to visit, containing a large pond area, two glasshouses, a small orchard with apple, plum, and cherry trees. The flower borders are full of blooms: dahlias, cosmos, marigolds and gladioli. The vegetables were of a high standard with sweetcorn, carrots, beetroot, cabbages, and this year’s unusual vegetable – an apple cucumber! Nothing from the site is wasted; it is composted and reused on the beds and any excess food goes to the community centre or the food bank, for use in the community”.
- Greenscape Community Garden, Seaham – Gold
- Fishburn Allotments – Silver
- Cross Lanes Allotments, Sacriston – Silver
- Belmont Allotments – Gold
- St Margaret’s Allotments, Durham – Silver Gilt
- St. James’s Allotment Site, Alnwick – Silver Gilt
Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate
ALNWICK GARDEN – Gold
“Visiting the Alnwick Garden is a pleasure for everyone with the many and varied horticultural delights, the splendid cascade and other amazing water features. A walk around the garden will include the Japanese Cherry Orchard, lovely scented rose garden, the labyrinth which is especially enjoyed by families, the hornbeam trees with arches to view the cascade, the Poison Garden and at the top of the garden the Walled Garden, which provides year round interest with so many well-chosen plants such as the pleached crab apples, cornus and lonicera hedges, alstromeria beds, bush roses with blackcurrants and the central water feature surrounded by gorgeous pergola roses. All areas are very accessible, the facilities excellent and signage and information boards are very good. This is an immaculately maintained tourist and visitor attraction”.
- Washington Old Hall – Gold
- Durham University Botanic Garden – Gold
- Kynren, Bishop Auckland – Gold
- Auckland Castle Park, Bishop Auckland – Silver Gilt
- Seaham Marina – Silver Gilt