Spearheading this achievement was Richard Wallace, one of the organising team members from Ballynure and District Friendship Club, who also achieved the accolade of RHS Community Champion.
Amongst its many gardening initiatives, Ballynure village was recognised for its quality of floral displays in Main Street and in the gardens, businesses and properties within the 30mph limit as well as the quality of informative historical signage, the use of the river and the Riverside Garden and welcoming features on entrance roads.
The award success also came about thanks to extensive work carried out by the ‘Eco Warriors’, and other volunteers, such as keeping the village free of litter and graffiti.
In addition, the group’s members were praised for the huge range of biodiversity activities over the year, the strong sense of local identity and the evidence of community spirit.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Mark Cooper BEM paid tribute to the remarkable achievements both the community and Richard Wallace had brought to their village:
The significance of this award is truly remarkable. For Ballynure to be honoured with the RHS Silver Gilt Medal and Richard Wallace to be recognised as the RHS Community Champion, surpassing competitors from across the UK, is incredible.
I would like to extend my congratulations to all the Eco Warriors, volunteers, and dedicated Council staff who have enthusiastically contributed to the vitality of the village.
Ballynure has a thriving community with a rich historical background and I’m delighted that it has been recognised as a flourishing place for its residents to enjoy.
Darren Share, Chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, added:
Our congratulations go to all the RHS Britain in Bloom finalists for their incredible commitment and the difference their hard work makes to their communities.
Groups were passionate and innovative, they showed how important it is for green space and environmental projects to be at the heart of community life.
Ballynure village also achieved a major win in the 2023 Best Kept awards. Find out more here.
At the ceremony in RHS Lindley Hall, London, Ballynure village was represented by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Operations Committee Chair Councillor Jay Burbank, Head of Parks Paul Mawhinney, Simon Wells of Ballynure and District Community Association and Richard Wallace from Ballynure and District Friendship Club.