Judges check out blooms in two Northumberland villages

Two north Northumberland villages recently welcomed the Northumbria in Bloom judges as they hope to repeat and build on last year's success.
Judges and members of Warkworth in Bloom on Morwick Road. Picture by John HowieJudges and members of Warkworth in Bloom on Morwick Road. Picture by John Howie
Judges and members of Warkworth in Bloom on Morwick Road. Picture by John Howie

Last Wednesday saw the judges visit Warkworth, which is bidding for further glory after last year saw them win Best Large Village for the 13th year in a row.

In the left-hand picture are, back row, from left: Serena Coulter and Val Bell, Warkworth in Bloom; judges Val Giles and Eileen Burn; Gillian Bell, Warkworth in Bloom; and judge Ron McParlin.

Northumbumbria in Bloom judges visit Lesbury for the spring judging.Northumbumbria in Bloom judges visit Lesbury for the spring judging.
Northumbumbria in Bloom judges visit Lesbury for the spring judging.
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At the front are Jackie Galilee, Warkworth in Bloom, with resident Gary Nicol-Velt.

Then last Friday, two judges from Northumbria in Bloom faced wind, rain, sleet and hail in the first of their two annual visits to Lesbury.

Despite the atrocious conditions, the judges were able to meet many of the wet and cold volunteers who were able to explain their own contributions in various areas of the parish.

Last year, the parish was pleased to achieve its second Silver Gilt award, but strives to improve on awards from year to year.

Northumbumbria in Bloom judges visit Lesbury for the spring judging.Northumbumbria in Bloom judges visit Lesbury for the spring judging.
Northumbumbria in Bloom judges visit Lesbury for the spring judging.
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The horticultural intention is to develop simple, visual landscaping in the public areas to blend with planting schemes in private gardens as well as focal points such as the Coach Inn and Alnmouth Railway Station.

In recent years, Ian August has been able to co-opt and expand a group of volunteers that now totals 16 who work throughout the year with another group tending the station planting.

The Northumbria in Bloom effort is supported by Lesbury Parish Council which has developed a landscape maintenance schedule in harmony with the volunteers.