Saltburn in Bloom - a community affair.

Britain in Bloom is an all-inclusive campaign, organised by the RHS, that encourages communities of all sizes to make positive and lasting improvements to their local areas for the benefit of local people. The campaign is the largest of it kind in Europe and incorporates floral features, permanent planting, wildflower meadows, planting for nature, fruit and vegetable gardening and much, much more. Other elements include cleanliness and tackling issues of litter, graffiti, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The RHS encourages all communities to get involved to help create safer, cleaner and greener local environments.

 May 2006, Photos of the Upper Promenade Garden © Sarah Lloyd - Evolution Garden Design and Consultancy
 

This year, the 20th Anniversary of Saltburn’s first entry in the Northumbria in Bloom Competition and the 7th year of entry in the Britain in Bloom finals saw Saltburn as winner of the Silver-Gilt award in the Best Coastal Resort section of Northumbria in Bloom and also a Silver award in the Britain in Bloom Competition. 

In 2007 68 finalists were selected from the 18 UK regions and nations to compete in the UK finals. This year 14 finalists received Gold, 26 received Silver-Gilt, 24 received Silver and 4 received Bronze awards.
Saltburn was competing as a finalist in the Coastal Resort category alongside Bognor Regis, Cleethorpes, Criccieth, Great Yarmouth, Lytham, North Berwick, Sidmouth, St Helier, Westbourne, Whitby and Whitehead. Cleethorpes was announced as the category winner. The gala ceremony took place on 26 September at the Coventry Cathedral, hosted by Coventry in Bloom. The Awards were presented by actress Susan Hampshire.

The picnic area on Marine Parade, funded by Impetus Environmental Trust, was opened by the Mayor of Redcar and Cl;eveland on Thursday 20th September.
A ship’s anchor has also been placed on land at the top of Saltburn Bank as part of this years improvements to the towns floral displays.

Saltburn’s efforts are organised by the Saltburn '500 Club in association with town businesses, organisations and local councils, and sponsored by the Parish Council.

Children from Saltburn Primary School planting new bulbs at the Police Station November 2007. Teacher Lucy Turnock and her teaching assistant Julie Crowe are pictured with some of the children, PC Stuart Smith and Ray Hensby, the deputy chairman of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council.

Anchors Away.
In 2005 PC Robin Butler, who at the time was the Community Officer for Marske, and Saltburn PC Stuart Smith, approached PD Teesport, Middlesbrough on the River Tees regarding the obtaining of an anchor for each of the towns. They were able to supply two anchors which had been dredged up from the River Tees having been lost on the river bed by shipping. Marske were the first to install their anchor on the roundabout in the High Street.. The Saltburn anchor was kept until funding was available and decisions were made as to where it should be sited. In June 2007 with the help of funding from the Local Environmental Committee, Saltburn In Bloom were able to go ahead with plans for bringing the anchor to the town. It was first taken to Castle Engineering in Marske where it was shot blasted and painted. Alfred McAlpine then installed the anchor on the garden at the top of Cart Bank. It was decided to place the anchor here because of its close proximity to the sea. In 2008 the Anchor will be illuminated at night and the garden bed in which it is situated will be re-developed with a sea-side theme. Included in this are two metal lobster pots which have been made by inmates at the metal workshops at Kirkleavington Prison.

If you have a photo of Saltburn in Bloom you’d like to share please e-mail a copy to us at photo@saltburnbysea.com and we’ll include it on our slide banner.