Swatragh wins Most Improved accolade at Ulster in Bloom 2024

The Swatragh in Bloom committee received the ‘Most Improved’ Special Award at the Ulster in Bloom 2024 Awards at The Old Market House in Bangor.

In October 2023, Swatragh placed third in the Best Village category after securing up to £3,000 in grant funding for their inaugural effort.

Just 12 months on, with the committee seeking out new grant funding streams to the value of £25,000, their efforts have been rewarded with not only third place again in the same category, but special recognition at the awards ceremony.

In presenting Swatragh with a special award for the ‘Most Improved’ entry in 2024, judges praised the way the committee rallied troops across the village, with the team of three becoming an army of 25 volunteers, and residents on all streets making sure their home exteriors were in full colour when the judges passed through.

Lucy Kearney, one of the founder members for Swatragh in Bloom, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the continued support we have had from businesses, funders and residents across the community. The village has really jumped into action to get behind our 2024 entry and it’s a credit to everyone involved that the judges have provided our team with the special award.

“None of the efforts would have been possible without the funding we have received this year and we can only thank everyone who has given up their free time to help out with planting, pruning and generally keeping Swatragh tidy. It really has motivated us for next year and we are already planning an improved effort for Ulster in Bloom 2025, so watch this space!”

Funding from the National Lottery Community Fund represented an £18,218 investment in Swatragh’s 2024 entry, with additional grants received from Brockaghboy Windfarm (£3,000), Mid Ulster Council (£1,200) and the Credit Union (£300), while a quiz and St Patrick’s Day plant sale raised a further £2,500.

Using the grants to develop the village’s floral infrastructure, the organising committee has installed a new garden, a polytunnel with flowers and vegetables, an insulated shed with solar panels and a community space for locals to meet up to have a tea or coffee.

Just a week prior to the Ulster in Bloom awards, Swatragh were also celebrating awards success when they collected the ‘Most Improved town or village’ award at the Best Kept Awards NI, organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council at the Guildhall in Derry.

Find out more about Swatragh in Bloom by visiting the group’s Facebook page or email swatraghinbloom@gmail.com