Judges impressed by ‘variety and diversity’ of competition entries

Alderman May Beattie, chairperson of Carrick Council’s Parks, Countryside and Amenities sub-committee, revealed the successful participants during a visit to the home of the Best Kept Garden winner Shelia Johnston.

Alderman Beattie said: “We are thrilled with the response from those taking part and impressed with the quality and diversity of the entrants. It has been an opportunity for me to see the wealth and variety of horticultural talent in our community.

“Winners and runners-up will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the Town Hall in October to receive their certificates and prizes. I would also like to thank the sponsors for supporting Carrickfergus in Bloom.”

Triumphs were enjoyed borough-wide with Eden, Greenisland and Whitehead entries also featuring in the various categories of the popular annual event.

Stephen Daye, Parks and Countryside development officer and one of the judges, commented: “We were very impressed by the number of high quality entries this year, the time and dedication many entrants spend in their gardens is a credit to them. Deciding on a winner was very difficult for some categories, however all who took part should be proud of their achievements.”

Results are as follows:

Best Kept Garden - Winner, Shelia Johnston, Carrick. Runners-up, Leslie Spearman, Whitehead; Eddie Polland, Whitehead; John O’Neill, Carrick.

Best Kept Container Garden - Winner, Christopher Betts, Carrick. Runners-up, Ruth Hickey, Carrick; Robert Welch, Eden; Bill Johnston, Carrick.

Best Kept Community Planting Scheme - Winner, Charles Sheils Charity. Runners-up, Brighter Whitehead; Greenisland Environmental & Heritage Group; Barn Court Children’s Home.

Best Kept Commercial Premises - Winner, McMasters Butchers, Whitehead. Runner-up, Northern Bank Limited, Carrick; DeCourcy Centre, Carrick.

Best Kept Cafe, Pub or Hotel - Winner, The Old Tea House, Whitehead; Runners-up, Brewers Fayre, Carrick; Hillcrest, Carrick.