Volunteers working hard to ensureWhitehead is blooming for judges

Last year, Whitehead won the Silver Gilt Award in the prestigious Britain in Bloom Awards.

Whitehead was one of five areas from across the UK chosen to compete in the Small Town category and was also nominated for the RHS Special Award for Conservation and Wildlife.

Bill Pollock, chairperson of Brighter Whitehead, won the Community Champion Award. Whitehead also won the Best Community Rail Halt.

Mr. Pollock said: “Currently we are planting out the railway station, putting up hanging baskets.

“Brighter Whitehead continues to grow all its own floral bedding - this is then displayed around Whitehead each summer.

“Brighter Whitehead is a year-round job, but we have some absolutely fantastic volunteers who are dedicated to making Whitehead all the brighter each summer with an array of floral displays.

Brighter Whitehead has also commissioned and has applied for funding for a horse and ploughman willow statue to accompany an old plough which has been sandblasted and painted.

“We have done very well in the Translink Ulster in Bloom and RHS Britain in Bloom competitions in the past, and we are looking forward to the judges visiting again this year. I am sure the judges will be impressed with our efforts,” said Bill.

Whitehead will be judged in the Small Town category the Ulster in Bloom competition in July this year.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Paul Reid, said “Mid and East Antrim has quickly established a reputation as an award- winning borough, thanks to our Mid and East Antrim In Bloom campaign, which encourages everyone who lives in the Borough to think about their local environment and how flowers, plants and gardens can enhance it for people and wildlife.

“By supporting our ‘In Bloom’ campaign and community competitions, residents not only brighten our borough, but often enable our towns and villages to go on to achieve success in the Translink Ulster in Bloom awards and the RHS Britain in Bloom awards. The work Brighter Whitehead do all year round is fantastic and I would personally like to thank them for their efforts.” Everyone can do their bit by filling a hanging basket or keeping their garden tidy. For more information, visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/inbloom