City in Bloom 2009

Chris McGivern's garden

Photo by Henry Bruce

Yvonne West's window box and tubs

Photo by Henry Bruce

North Laine wins several prizes

By Gabrielle Villermet, NLCA City in Bloom representative

The prize giving ceremony for the City in Bloom 2009 Competitions in the Community was held at the Metropole Hotel on 3rd September 2009.

I am very pleased to report that North Laine residents did very well.

'Best Front Garden' category

One of our NLCA Street Representatives, Chris McGivern of Gloucester Street, was awarded Second Prize in the 'Best Front Garden' category. Considering there were about 35 entries from all over Brighton & Hove, this was a great achievement. Her front garden is extremely small and must be very difficult to manage. Anyone who has walked up or down Gloucester Street this summer cannot have failed to notice what a contribution she made to the neighbourhood.

'Best Window Box or Balcony' category

Yvonne West of Kemp Street also won a Second Prize for the 'Best Window Box/Balcony' category. She has also made a great contribution to her street and to North Laine.

Congratulations to Chris and Yvonne for making the best of such small spaces. They must have worked very hard and thoroughly deserve their awards.

North Laine Traders Cup

Congratulations also to 'The Dorset', who won the North Laine Traders Cup for the best commercial premises in North Laine.

Thanks are due to the Metropole Hotel for hosting the ceremony and to the many sponsors who provided prizes.

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 200, September/October 2009]