Tidy Randalstown prepares for autumn

TIDY Randalstown have given an update on their summer activities as they prepare to head in to the autumn and winter seasons.

Group Secretary Suzanne Winter explained: “Unfortunately the summer is waving goodbye but we still have some good weather to come and the lovely season of Autumn is on the horizon.

“Our volunteers were kept busy with the never ending “weeds” that seem to grow quicker than the plants!

“We also welcomed new faces to the group to help with the variety of tasks needed to keep the town looking smart.

“The weeding and deadheading kept the hands busy and woe betide any weed that popped its head up when the snippers were in action!

“The water carriers were also kept busy as the plants liked to have a regular drink.

“We were delighted to welcome new volunteers Ann-Marie and Dave. They very quickly got the hi-viz on and the tools into action.”

“One of our youngest volunteers Blake used his Tidy Randalstown skills and gave his help further afield in Royal Hillsborough Gardens.

“During July and August our volunteers gave 1,301 hours of their time. An awesome amount, many thanks everyone!”

Over the summer period the town received many people visiting family and friends.

The viewpoint was a popular place and one family visited from Canada, while a regular Glasgow visitor gave his grandmother a helping hand to collect the litter in the car park.

Liz Walker and Linda Houston represented Tidy Randalstown at the Green Flag Awards held in Bangor Walled Garden a few weeks ago.

They delighted that their ‘garden in the sky’, Elevation picked up a Community Green Flag award and also featured on one of the pop up banners.

Congratulations to Maine Fold and Neillsbrook Fold who also won Community Green Flag Awards.

The judging period for this competition ended in mid August and the results will be announced in October.

The purpose of this competition is to celebrate community spirit and the dedication of volunteers in improving their local areas through planting and environmental efforts.

The Tidy Randalstown committee would like to thank residents, businesses, sponsors and volunteers for their care in keeping the town a welcome place for anyone to visit.

Fingers crossed for October!

Tidy Randalstown was also delighted to receive an Outdoor Community Spaces grant from Asda Antrim Foundation for £455.

This funding will help them provide essential equipment like litter pickers, protective gloves and hi-viz vests for volunteers.

A big thank you has gone out to Ashley Ritchie. Asda Antrim Community Champion for her enthusiastic support and encouragement.