Ahoghill preparing for judgement days

The Ahoghill In Bloom team is busy preparing for this year's judging season with the village first coming under the scrutiny of Ulster in Bloom adjudicators.
The village of AhoghillThe village of Ahoghill
The village of Ahoghill

They will be visiting the multi-award winning village during July and then, on Wednesday, August 3, the judges from Britain in Bloom will be over to spend time in the village.

This year Ahoghill is in the premier category of Britain in Bloom - the village is one of only six locations from across the United Kingdom which has been selected for the Champion of Champions category.

Speaking on behalf of the team, James Perry said: “To reach this stage is an enormous accolade in itself and the Ahoghill team hope to do the village - and the Borough - proud.

“The ‘in bloom’ initiative involves the whole community and the volunteers would like to thank all those groups, businesses and individuals who support the environmental improvement programme.

“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council also play a key role in preparing the village for the visit by the judges. The enthusiastic support from Council is much appreciated by the local team,” said James.

He pointed out that it costs a considerable amount of money to fund the various initiatives, including purchase of plants, trees, shrubs and equipment and that most of the funds raised come from local businesses, organisations and residents as well as some support from Council grants.

In addition, the team of volunteers undertake several fundraising initiatives including a recent a street collection which raised the magnificent sum of £2460 and they have extended thanks to everyone who contributed to that total.

Further events will be held in the coming months in a bid to meet all of the costs associated with this year’s programme.

James said: “As judging day approaches the volunteers will be working day and night to try to ensure that Ahoghill is looking its very best. It is hoped that the judges from Britain in Bloom will have the opportunity to meet a wide cross section of the community when they come to visit on Wednesday, August 3.”

Ahoghill has won several Britain in Bloom Awards in recent years including GOLD in ‘Champion of Champions’.