Blyth in Bloom
Blyth in Bloom: Celebrating Community, Colour, and Civic Pride
On the 24th and 25th of July 2025, representatives from Blyth Town Council visited gardens across the town as part of the annual Blyth in Bloom celebration. The initiative highlights the dedication, creativity, and civic pride of residents who work hard to make their outdoor spaces vibrant and welcoming.
Councillor David Swinhoe, Mayor of Blyth, was joined by Councillor Rick Baker, Deputy Mayor, and Councillor/ Chairman of the environmental committee, David Johnson. Over two days, they met with local gardeners and community groups, exploring green spaces that reflect the heart and character of Blyth.
A Blooming Start in South Beach:
Beach, where Mrs Gillian Weedy has transformed her back garden into a peaceful, flower-filled retreat. With an impressive variety of plants on display, the garden offered a calm and colourful atmosphere. Councillors praised the setting for its beauty and tranquillity—an ideal place to sit, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.
Sporting Blooms at Blyth Spartans Junior Football Club:
Next on the route was Blyth Spartans Junior Football Club, where Mr John Whittle discussed the collaborative planting efforts involving schoolchildren from Bede Academy. The pupils had nurtured sunflowers from seed, now blooming along the football ground’s fence line. This thoughtful tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has also turned the site into a surprisingly picturesque spot—described as one of the best-looking car parks in the North East. The visit also included conversation around the nearby Crofton Pit, where a tree-lined path has become a popular route for local walkers and visitors alike.
Artistic Expression at Belford Court:
At Belford Court, residents and volunteers proudly presented their community garden, which flows around the building and central courtyard. Featuring handcrafted mosaics and wooden art, the space reflects a strong sense of local heritage—including hanging baskets designed to resemble pit helmets made from gauze. Council members enjoyed a group photo, a friendly chat, and delicious homemade scones, all of which made for a heartwarming and memorable visit.
Creativity and Community in Crofton Ward:
In Croft Ward, the Council was welcomed by Sammy Toland at the home of Mr Shaun Campbell. This garden showcased an impressive range of water features and lush hanging baskets that filled the space with colour and movement. The pride shown in maintaining not only the garden, but the surrounding neighbourhood was clear. Councillors noted the value of such care in creating a pleasant, shared environment for all.
Isabella Heap: A Hub of Nature and Volunteering
The visit continued into Isabella Ward, which borders Cowpen and Newsham. Here, Mrs Aileen Barras—former Mayor of Blyth and a driving force behind the Isabella Heap volunteers—welcomed the team. The group was shown around the volunteer base, formerly a football changing room and now an important community hub. They also toured nearby walking paths, which offer a chance to enjoy the countryside just minutes from the coastline. With blackberry season approaching, the area is especially inviting. Volunteers have also taken on environmental projects, including constructing natural fencing from fallen branches. The Isabella Heap remains a shining example of what local volunteerism can achieve.
A Final Flourish in Newsham
The final visit took place in Newsham Ward. Although the householder was not available, councillors were still able to view the garden from the outside. Even from across the fence, the attention to detail and pride in presentation were clear - a fitting end to two days filled with community spirit and blooming achievement.
Celebrating Blyth’s Blooming Spirit
The 2025 Blyth in Bloom visits highlighted not only the beauty of local gardens but also the strong sense of community and civic pride that flourishes throughout the town. From individual efforts to collaborative projects, the tour was a tribute to those who go the extra mile to make Blyth a greener, more welcoming place for everyone.
Blyth in Bloom 2023
This year was our sixth competition and we were pleased to have 19 entrants all of a very high standard. 
In 2019 it was agreed that we would adopt the RHS Northumbria in Bloom system and award Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver and Bronze in each category. As with Northumbria in Bloom, the same award can be given to more than one entrant in the category as the judging is based on points scored in the various criteria. All entrants received a certificate, a voucher for Perennial Favourites and bag of bulbs. Thank you to Adam and Fiona Greenwold at Perennial Favourites who have supported the competition from the first year and to Diane Dinning, Community Champion at Asda for donating the bulbs. Those entrants receiving a Gold award also received a trophy.
The presentation evening was held on Wednesday 27 September in Blyth Spartans Clubhouse. Thanks to Gillian and Colin at the Club for all their help and to Shirley at the Quiet Coffee Shop who provided the buffet.
The results were:
| PRIVATE GARDEN | |||
| Gold | Maureen Parkin | Coronation Street | View Images |
| Gold | Gillian Weedy | Kingfisher Way | View Images |
| Gold | Laura Foster | Princess Louise Road | View Images |
| Gold | John Whittle | Pioneer Way | View Images |
| Silver Gilt | Roger Douglas | Kielder Close | View Images |
| Silver | Graham Thompson | Delaval Gardens | View Images |
| Silver | Bev Sellars | Swaledale Avenue | View Images |
| PRIVATE YARD | |||
| Gold | Jim and Lynne Edwards | Cowpen Road | View Images |
| Silver Gilt | Irene Muldoon | Stanley Street | View Images |
| Silver | Jan Rumis | Stanley Street | View Images |
| Bronze | Norah Pugh | Bowes Street | View Images |
| COMMERCIAL PREMISES | |||
| Silver | Nikki Gibson | The Wallaw | View Images |
| COMMUNITY GARDEN OR PROJECT | |||
| Gold | Friends of Crofton Field | Dune Walk Car Park | View Images |
| Silver | Geoff Gainford | Chasedale Care Home | View Images |
| Silver | Trevor Reed | The Family Hub | View Images |
| Silver | Journey Enterprises | Buffalo Community Centre | View Images |
| ENVIRONMENTAL OR CONSERVATION PROJECT | |||
| Gold | Isabella Heap Volunteers | The Isabella Heap | View Images |
| ALLOTMENT | |||
| Gold | Barbara Burns | Newsham Side Club Site | View Images |
| Gold | Michael and Julie Boyd | Bolam Avenue Site | View Images |
If you would like see results from previous competitions, please click click here to view the archive page.