2021 Results

Northumbria in Bloom and RHS It's Your Neighbourhood Awards

Celebrating the people and places that made 2021 bloom.

Each year Northumbria in Bloom celebrates the villages, towns, cities, businesses, schools and community groups that make our region greener, cleaner and more colourful.

Below you’ll find every medal awarded in the main and special categories in 2021, the Best in Class winners with their judges’ comments, the Community Champions and the 37 groups recognised in the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood awards.

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Overall awards

Best Overall Entry – The Percy Boydell Award: Washington Village
Most Improved Entry: Fishburn
Best New Entry – The Whickham Award: Horncliffe

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: Fishburn

The main thoroughfare and the floral displays are located on the long stretch of Front Street and beyond the crossroad. The displays at the crossroads creates a colourful impact. The town is tidy and well maintained though the street cleaning and furniture is not in their control. A lot of planning has gone into the Memorial Garden in the cemetery and it has been very successful as a highlight of the cemetery ambience.

Best New Entry – The Whickham Award: Horncliffe

Horncliffe is a very attractive village, made more so by the efforts of the In Bloom group of volunteers. They have hit the ground at full tilt in their first year so we hope they can keep up the pace in future. A very good effort.

Main categories

Please note: Gold – outstanding, Silver Gilt – very good, Silver – good, Bronze – average, Merit – Fair.

Small Villages

Middleton Hall Retirement Village – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Middleton Hall Retirement Village

This large site contains many ancient and mature trees as well as being divided into themed gardens which often reflect the wishes and needs of the residents. This provides opportunities for a wide range of planting styles in the different microclimates. Residents are encouraged to volunteer to help with some tasks on site and they obviously take great pride in all areas of the village. There are strong links with nearby Middleton St. George and the local primary school.

Villages

Greatham – Silver Gilt
Horncliffe – Gold
Lesbury – Silver Gilt
Norham – Silver
Washington Village – Gold

Best in Class: Washington Village

Large Villages

Fishburn – Silver Gilt
Holywell – Gold
Middleton in Teesdale – Gold
Seghill – Bronze
West Auckland – Gold

Best in Class: Holywell

The horticultural achievement is very good indeed. The partnership between Seaton Valley Council (planting mauve and purple colours) and Northumberland County Council (red and yellow colours) plus the considerable efforts of the Holywell in Bloom team and their increased number of volunteers means the village is looking colourful and very attractive. The Woodland Walk by contrast is a quiet nature-friendly haven. There is strong community support across all the age groups and the numerous community activities are excellent.

Small Towns

Catchgate – Bronze
Corbridge – Silver
Sacriston – Gold
Sedgefield – Gold

Joint Best in Class: Sacriston and Sedgefield

Sedgefield: Sacriston: This is a truly heart lifting community entry, reflecting the developing horticulture with a fantastic level of community pride, hard work and long term commitment. There is well-developed sustainable planting and eye-catching seasonal bedding in key areas. The area’s coal mining heritage is celebrated and the new street furniture is very smart. The whole community is to be congratulated

Sedgefield: Sedgefield is a delight for the senses: inspiring, colourful, creative and vibrant. A wonderful example of how a working village green can also have links to the history of the village magnificently showcased for all to see. Sedgefield in Bloom volunteers have demonstrated how a group effort, even in the most difficult of times, can still achieve outstanding standards. The results are there for all to see!

Towns

Alnwick – Gold
Berwick upon Tweed – Gold

Best in Class: Berwick upon Tweed

Berwick’s northerly coastal situation presents challenges for the Bloom group in any year but the last 18 months have brought extra difficulties. Despite this, Berwick in Bloom has fostered many Community partnerships and brought several new schemes to fruition. The Bloom group’s designs and appropriate choice of plants in a variety of locations and microclimates, from open coastal areas to mature woodland and formal memorial parks shows real flair. They always keep one eye firmly on encouraging local wildlife. This is a very impressive group with a ‘can-do’ attitude who clearly feel a strong sense of pride in their town.

Large Towns

Bishop Auckland – Silver Gilt
Chester-le-Street – Silver Gilt
Stanley – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Chester-le-Street

Chester le Street town is steeped in history and the judges were impressed with the Bloom members knowledge of the variety of ancient sites and their associated floral displays. The extensive colourful bedding on the roundabouts and verges gives a cheerful welcome and Riverside Park never seems to disappoint. There is strong community spirit, and the involvement of schoolchildren and a local housing organisation all bode well for the future.

Small City

Durham – Gold

Best in Class: Durham

Durham’s vibrant and historic cityscape is well-complimented by the cool greens of the mature trees, parks and gardens, as well as the riverside walks. Seasonal bedding schemes add colour to the city centre. Wider environmental issues are actively considered, for example green roofs at the university and the use of electric maintenance machines. Despite the difficulties the community links are strong and the many achievements of the various Friends Groups are evident across the entry.

Urban Community

Belmont – Gold

Best in Class: Belmont

Belmont extends over 3 parishes, requiring careful planning and co-ordination. There is plenty of colour in the well-planted beds and containers giving highlights throughout the entry. The Scrambles is a unique asset to the community and the environmental credentials are further illustrated in the ‘grey water’ schemes at the allotments and the school garden.

Coastal Resort

Seaham – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Seaham

The team can be congratulated on its endeavours to bring year-round colour to many parts of Seaham, in particular using planting schemes appropriate to the exposed coastal setting. The ornamental grasses, yuccas and evergreen shrubs are complimented in the summer by vibrant pelargoniums and begonias. The artworks and sculptures along the seafront and in the parks reflect the town’s heritage to great effect and there is a strong sense of community involvement.

City Centre

Darlington – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Darlington

The people of Darlington should be proud of what has been achieved in this difficult Pandemic year. The town centre has a vibrant feel and it is obvious that shoppers, visitors and residents are able to enjoy well cared for open and green spaces around the town. The lavender planted grey planters looked and smelt good and were buzzing with bees, and The Yards were particularly impressive. Praise should be given to all concerned with the Bloom campaign.

Special awards

Community Champions

For a truly outstanding contribution over several years by individuals, whether salaried or volunteer, in support of Northumbria in Bloom.

Clare Todd, Chester le Street

Clare is one of the key members of Chester-le-Street in Bloom and is one of the first to put her hand up if anything needs doing! As well as this she is Secretary of The Friends of Riverside Park, helping to raise funds for a memorial seat for the ‘swan lady’ and several other benches and sculptures in the park. She is very hands-on, often to be found weeding, planting, litter-picking and painting. As if she didn’t have enough to do, she recently founded the Cestrian Community Volunteers, with their aim of carrying out clean-up and gardening projects around the town. In all Clare sits on 20 committees across Chester-le-Street, enabling her to form networks and partnerships to enhance the local environment, connecting the business community, volunteers, friends groups and the Local Authority.

Stuart Clasper, Durham

Stuart always says ‘jokingly’ that his main role on judging day is acting as timekeeper, but he’s much more than that! He’s been involved with Durham in Bloom both regionally and nationally for over 10 years and has greatly contributed to gaining many awards. He’s been a major influence, a bedrock to Durham’s involvement in the Bloom competitions, and his composition of portfolios, trails leaflets and photographs have received both local, regional and national recognition. He is an excellent ambassador for Durham and the North East and a worthy Community Champion.

Ron Potter, Belmont

In 2004, when Ron’s allotments were forced to relocate to a barren brown field site, he was the driving force in accepting the challenge of transforming the new site into the flourishing allotments we see today. In addition to maintaining his own plot he has taken on the roles of Allotment Club Secretary and more recently Chairman. He is a tireless fundraiser which has allowed the development of the sensory garden and the unique water-harvesting scheme. When the local Primary School similarly wanted to create allotments from a derelict site Ron didn’t hesitate to volunteer and works with the school to this day, encouraging the children to grow food and advising the headteacher and staff. Ron’s enthusiasm rubs off on everyone who knows him!

Darren McMahon, Stanley

Darren manages PACT House in Stanley which is a true community organisation, offering support to people with mental health problems, those who feel isolated and those struggling with everyday life. Some of the activities they undertake include supplying kitchen window box herbs and showing people how to grow and cook with them; and some of the young people have been supporting elderly residents with gardening tasks. During lockdown the volunteers distributed donated pot plants, and tubs, tools and shrubs as a way of connecting people in isolation. Darren has built links with local schools, Durham police and local allotment growers to foster a sense of local pride and worth. Darren is a driving force in Stanley and a real Community Champion.

Best Business Park

Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne – Gold
Greencroft Industrial Estate, Stanley – Silver
Seaham Marina – Silver

Best in Class: Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Newcastle Business Park provides an attractive area for the many people working in the large and smaller offices. The management teams ensure the numerous trees are carefully maintained and the silver birches and cherry trees look particularly good. Floral colour is provided by the herbaceous beds, rockeries, white roses and hanging baskets. The hard landscaping is well maintained and there is good evidence of recycling practice.

Best School

Gilesgate Primary School, Belmont – Gold
Alnwick, Swansfield Primary School – Gold
Fishburn, Fishburn Primary School – Silver
Stanley, St. Joseph’s RC Primary School – Gold

Best in Class: Gilesgate Primary School, Belmont

This school has a great sense of community involvement from the headteacher and parents but the pupils are the stars with the high standard of their knowledge on the growing and use of plants within the school. A wide range of fruit and vegetables are grown and used in the school meals, and for the first time they are growing loofah plants to reduce the need for plastic scrubbing brushes. In the outdoor classroom they learn all about plants and pollinators as well as composting and water recycling. Horticulture, the Environment and Community spirit are at the heart of all they do.

Best Care/Residential/Convalescent Home/Hospice or Day Centre

North Star Day Centre, Berwick upon Tweed – Gold
Durham, St. Cuthbert’s Hospice – Gold
Holywell, Concord House – Gold
Stanley, Justice for Women Centre – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: North Star Day Centre, Berwick upon Tweed

A feeling of happiness and warmth was evident when visiting the centre, with lots of enthusiasm and smiles. The outside space was innovative with table and benches, planters made from pallets and many other recycled objects all painted in the bright colours of equality and diversity. The sensory garden with the water feature at its centre was well tended with a variety of plants to stimulate the senses and to encourage wildlife. The group is to be commended for adding to their list of achievements by becoming self-sufficient, growing vegetables, fruit and herbs which all looked very healthy.

Best Religious Establishment

St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Church, Chester le Street – Gold
Belmont Cemetery – Gold
Bishop Auckland, Baptist Church – Silver
Darlington, St. Augustine’s Church – Bronze
Durham, Durham Cathedral – Gold
Lesbury, St. Mary’s Church – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Church, Chester le Street

St. Cuthbert’s garden is a blaze of colour with perennial planting throughout the borders of this lovingly tended area. Many plants are donated to expand the already impressive display. The team of two dedicated volunteers use their own petrol mower to cut the lawn areas and have a comprehensive knowledge of all plants on the site. The judges were intrigued by the attempt to introduce plants with a religious connection such as Judas plants and the impressive Palms on the border path next to the church. children and others to enhance the environment with wildflower seed for the children to sow and grow. Also the planting from Ord House Country Park expands to land outside the main entrance with a colour coordinated planting scheme.

Best Commercial Premises (Small)

Lesbury Post Office – Silver Gilt
Darlington, Hash Bar and Kitchen – Silver
Middleton in Teesdale, Rumours Coffee Shop – Silver
Stanley, Chapel Wedding Cars – Silver

Best in Class: Lesbury Post Office

The front of the Post Office is enhanced by 6 self-watering planters, looked after by a team of volunteers. They aim for year-round interest with winter and summer schemes, all looking very healthy. The adjacent seating area is very neat and well-maintained and is regularly used as a local meeting area.

Best Commercial Premises (Large)

Ord House Country Park, Berwick – Gold

Best in Class: Ord House Country Park, Berwick

The judges were impressed with the high standards seen through-out the site. The formal borders at the entrance were a delight and create a very positive first impression. The landscaped planting schemes help to create a sense of spaciousness and the wildlife pond makes you feel a part of nature. The overall effect is one of a relaxing and revitalising outdoor living space for the residents to enjoy.

Best Pub

Ball Alley, Stanley – Gold
Berwick, Maguire’s Bar – Gold
Darlington, Tapas Bar – Bronze
Middleton in Teesdale, Teesdale Hotel – Gold
Washington Village, The Cross Keys – Gold

Best in Class: Ball Alley, Stanley

The secluded area of the Beer garden of The Ball Alley Pub is a hidden gem. Developed from a previously overgrown and derelict plot there is now an expansive lawn with wooden tables and benches in the sitting area for customers. The borders of the site are well structured with a variety of perennials and bedding plants. There is an impressive display of sweet peas well situated for customers to enjoy. All plants are grown in the greenhouses situated on the plot, and an impressive three tier composting system is in operation.

Best Hotel / Guest House

Ramside Hall, Belmont – Gold
Berwick, The Walls Bed & Breakfast – Gold
Chester le Street, Lumley Castle Hotel – Gold
Seaham, Seaham Hall Hotel – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Ramside Hall Hotel, Belmont

Ramside Hall continues to maintain its excellent standards of horticulture and imaginative flower schemes and their 85 large hanging baskets were full of both plants and colour. Development of the site include some innovative environmental plans. The presentation of the hotel and its facilities is first class.

Best Conservation

Belmont Scrambles, Belmont – Gold
Bishop Auckland, Castle Chare Water Fountain – Silver
Chester le Street, Camperdown Pocket Park – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Belmont Scrambles, Belmont

A huge site with large and small meadows planted with alder and buckthorn trees to aid the conservation of butterflies and moths. It has many different habitats that are well looked after by the friends group. During the visit we saw orchids and a very rare Burnett moth. Regular surveys are carried out to see what is doing well and what has found a home. The Scrambles has meant so much to the people of Belmont and the site has been looked after for the benefit of all.

Best Bus/Metro/Railway Station

Berwick Transport Interchange – Gold
Alnmouth Railway Station – Silver Gilt
Durham Railway Station – Silver

Best in Class: Berwick Transport Interchange

The large, raised bee friendly bed is one of the first things you see when arriving at Berwick station, whilst inside the station building were several herb boxes which came with brown paper bags and scissors -travellers are encouraged to take a few herbs home! The station manager and staff are commended by the judges for the initiatives they are undertaking and the obvious pride in their place of work.

Best Park

Castle Vale Park, Berwick upon Tweed – Gold
Chester le Street, Riverside Park – Gold
Darlington, South Park – Silver Gilt
Durham, Wharton Park – Gold
Holywell Community Orchard – Silver
Seaham Town Park – Silver
Stanley, Annfield Plain Park – Silver

Best in Class: Castlevale Parks, Berwick upon Tweed

The Park is a pleasure to visit and is well looked after by the park ranger and her team of Friends, which has welcomed new ‘lockdown’ members. The spring daffodils were wonderful and the new fernery is an impressive addition. The steeply sloping wooded site is a haven for wildlife on the banks of the River Tweed.

Best Town Centre Retail Area / BIDs

Seaton Deleval Town Centre – Silver Gilt
Durham BID – Silver Gilt
Stanley Town Centre – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Seaton Deleval Town Centre

Seaton Delaval Town Centre is looking very colourful and attractive thanks to the efforts of the recently re-invigorated volunteer group, local businesses and the partnership of Seaton Valley Council and Northumberland County Council. The barrier baskets and tall planters are filled with petunias in the purple and mauve colours of Seaton Valley council and the main roundabout with the beds newly mounded show the NCC red and yellow colours. The bird boxes and the insect hotel support wildlife and there is a strong focus on recycling.

Best Private Garden

Phillip Wall, Dinsdale Drive, Belmont – Gold
Berwick Upon Tweed, Tintagel House – Gold
Lesbury, 20 South View – Silver Gilt
Norham, Melanie’s Garden – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Philip Wall, Dinsdale Drive, Belmont

Welcoming passers by this large open corner garden is bursting with colour and sustainable plants, including some unusual specimens. It is a pleasure to explore, with some quirky surprises on the bird table.

Best Grounds of a Hospital, University or Public Building

Durham University – Silver Gilt
Stanley, South Moor Police Station – Silver

Best in Class: Durham University

The grounds are extensive and managed to a high standard, with areas of grass and mature woodland. A high proportion of the organic waste is recycled as compost or mulch. Several of the university buildings have been designed with energy conservation and the environment in mind, with the Ogden Centre receiving an environmental award and the Josephine Butler College having a green roof.

Best Sports Ground

Berwick Bowling Club – Gold

Best in Class: Berwick Bowling Club

The Berwick bowling club constituted in 1895 with its splendid club house and beautiful grounds was a pleasure to stroll around. The playing green is maintained to a very high standard and the surrounding gardens are cared for by several volunteers from the very healthy membership. Even though the work of the club has been disrupted during the last 18 months the well established mixed borders are extremely well maintained with plenty of colour.

Best Residential Community

Spittal Village, Berwick – Gold
Lesbury, Orchard Terrace – Gold
Washington Village, Liberty Green – Gold

Best in Class: Spittal Village, Berwick upon Tweed

The judges were very impressed with the number of horticultural initiatives they witnessed. The new welcome border is a delight, incorporating place, history and horticulture. Seafield Park is an excellent example of pride of place, with the provision of permanent planting schemes, environmental awareness and community participation. The historic Spa Spring has a new perennial and shrub border and it was good to see so many local people taking an active interest in their community.

Best Allotments

Belmont Allotments – Gold
Berwick Upon Tweed, The Lions House Allotments – Gold
Durham, St Margaret’s Allotments – Gold
Fishburn Allotments – Silver
Middleton Hall Retirement Village Allotments – Silver Gilt
Seaham, Greenscape Allotments – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Belmont Allotments, Belmont

These 18 plots are well managed and maintained with a diversity of plants and vegetables including beehives and lots of companion planting. There is also an innovative water collection system for all the plots which develops each year.

Joint Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate

Alnwick Garden and Durham University Botanic Garden – Gold
Bishop Auckland, Auckland Castle Walled Garden – Silver Gilt
Washington Old Hall – Gold

Joint Best in Class: Alnwick Garden and Durham University Botanic Garden

Alnwick Garden: The Rose garden was exceptional and the formal gardens at the top of the garden were a constant delight with fine planting, unexpected vistas and the refreshing sound of running water. The community programme was an inspiration, demonstrating a creativity of thought that goes beyond the normal. The judges were also impressed with the environmental responsibility demonstrated within the garden and it is a credit to all those involved with its planning and operation.

Durham University Botanic Garden: Durham Botanic Garden is a great place to visit, with an extensive range of activities, many of which are aimed at children. The planting throughout is interesting, diverse and attractive both in the glasshouses and outside, with high standards of maintenance everywhere. There are several environmental projects ongoing, including the use of sheep to graze part of the meadows. This is a garden for all ages and interests.

RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood

37 community groups were assessed in 2021. Entries are listed by level, then alphabetically.

Level 5 – Outstanding

Bishop Auckland Remembrance Garden
Brierdene Wildlife Site, Whitley Bay
Clarence’s Leisure Gardens Association
Coronation Park, Berwick
Friends of Gosforth Central Park
Friends of Red House Ramble, Whitley Bay
High Newport Allotments
Holmlands Park Grounds
New Hartley in Bloom
PCP Garden
St Mary’s Island Wetland
The Granary YHA, Berwick upon Tweed
The Hive of Sedgefield
The Pottergate Centre

Level 4 – Thriving

Action for Station Town
Annfield Plain Infants’ School, Stanley
Catchgate Primary School
Ethicare
Flagstaff Park, Berwick upon Tweed
Green Horizons
Highfield Village Community Action Group
Hunwick Community, Social & Environmental Group
Junction 7 Community Garden
Middleton-in-Teesdale Play Area Working Group
Peterlee Community Garden
Shildon Town Council & Shildon Alive Guerrilla Gardening Partnership Project
Southwick Green Community Flower Beds
The Mount Community Garden
Walbottle Village Tenants & Residents Association Community Gardening Group

Level 3 – Advancing

Great Lumley Millenium Green
Louisa Nursey
Ludworth Community Centre Gardening
PIZZA-LAND project from Easington Seed Pods
Trinity Courtyard Community Gardens

Level 2 – Improving

Edmondsley Parish Council

Level 1 – Establishing

Cullercoats Green Spaces Project
Sedgefield In Bloom