Castlecaulfield named Ulsters best kept village!

Castlecaulfield and Donaghmore were both competing for the prize of 'Best Kept Village' in the 2016 Translink 'Ulster in Bloom' competition.

The village of Castlecaulfield has been named as Northern Irelands 'best kept'.

It beat off stiff competition from fellow Tyrone village Donaghmore in second, and Antrims Ballynure in third.

And it's all part of this year's Translink 'Ulster in Bloom' competition.

The annual horticultural event which encourages places right across Northern Ireland to look their very best, boosting civic pride through beautiful plant and floral displays. This year’s competition attracted 156 entries from local councils, community groups, businesses, bus and train stations. 

Speaking at the results announcement ceremony, Translink Chairman, Frank Hewitt, said:

“Congratulations to all the 2016 Translink Ulster in Bloom winners and runners-up!  You make Northern Ireland an attractive place to live and visit and I would like to thank all of you for your time and effort all year round."

The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland local Government Association (NILGA).

Alderman Freda Donnelly, Vice President, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, said:

“It’s a delight to be with you all today as NILGA’s Vice President, to represent the Association and express our appreciation and congratulations to everyone, Councils, ‘In Bloom’ committees, residents, businesses and sponsors, who have participated and contributed to the 2016 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition. 

“Translink Ulster in Bloom celebrates the successes that can be achieved when we come together to take pride in the places we live and work, and together, create a better environment for everyone to enjoy.

“With the ongoing partnership support of the 11 councils and our sponsors Translink, NILGA is totally committed to building on the culture of the competition and growing it into the future through the council’s community planning powers.  People in local places can really influence local decisions, which is great for democracy and great for Northern Ireland, we want to champion the role of communities and councils in decision making, take pride in the places we love, and invest in them,” said Alderman Donnelly.

A full list of this years winners...

Large Village Winner – Cullybackey 
City Award Winner – Derry City 
Small Town Winner – Ahoghill 
Community Rail Halt Winner – Whitehead 
Special Award Winner - Newtownards Memorial Garden 
Town Award Winner – Coleraine
Village Award Winner – Castlecaulfield