Blooming marvellous - Arcade wins top national accolade for its floral displays

17 October 2013

Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth has been named as the overall winner of the commercial category in this year’s prestigious Britain in Bloom Awards.

The judges were so impressed with the displays at the shopping centre and at the town’s bus station that they have awarded the team at the Arcade and the Chamber of Trade the national Commercial Award for the best environmental and horticultural contribution from business.

Morpeth was also named Best Town in the RHS In Bloom competition as well as being awarded a Gold Medal. A special commendation was also given to the town in the Young People’s Award for involving youngsters in Morpeth’ s In Bloom efforts.

The results were announced in a ceremony in Cleethorpes at the weekend to the delight of the team who have worked so hard on all the floral displays across the town.

The Arcade displays are designed and planted by local gardener Raymond Dixon.

 Centre Manager at Sanderson Arcade Medi Parry said: “This is fantastic news to be given the Commercial Award and fantastic to be part of Morpeth’s outstanding success in Britain In Bloom awards this year.

“Everyone here at the Arcade is delighted and it’s certainly testament to the hard work so many people in the town put into In Bloom.”

As part of this year’s “edible plants” theme at Sanderson Arcade the centre introduced herbs in the flower beds and displays, staff have also been selling them to raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust – this year’s nominated charity.

Morpeth Town Clerk, Gillian Turner, who helps to co-ordinate the local In Bloom entry, said she was delighted with the number of awards given to Morpeth.

She added: “Although a runner-up in previous years to be the winner of the Town category this year is of great significance – Morpeth is up there on the podium with Britain’s best.”

An RHS judge said: “Northumbria can be proud of Morpeth town and its achievements in the 2013 Britain in Bloom campaign. A sustained campaign over many years has yielded consistent success and this year’s achievements can only serve to sustain the community, business and landscape in this beautiful part of the country.”

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk