HEDDON IN BLOOM

This is a local voluntary independent organisation formed in February 1990 with the aim of improving the general appearance of the village and creating a caring community. The group never undertakes tasks which are the responsibility of the local authority, although consultation is always sought from the Parish, District and County Councils when appropriate.

Examples of the work carried out in the area are as follows. Removal of graffiti, Painting of shelters/seats/fences, planting of hundreds of bulbs/trees, placing of flower displays giving colour through all seasons of the year. Rebuilding of broken walls, restoration of the Chare bank walk when dead trees were removed,& tons of soil which had run down the hill was cleared and a clearly defined path and wildflower area created.

Click the images to load a larger version	This task was carried out with co-operation from Albermarle barracks and local businesses. The group works closely with all village organisations including Heddon First School. where the annual painting competition is sponsored by HEDDON IN BLOOM. Bulbs.tubs. flowers, books and expertise has been provided to the school.along with cash. Tidy Britain group representatives have been introduced into the school to assist in the education of the children on environmental matters. The Schools pond and wildlife area was created by the children with assistance and funding arranged by HEDDON IN BLOOM. The Princess Diana tree placed in the School grounds in memory of her purchased and planted by HIB,but there for the whole village. The Village Youth club has been encouraged to take part in the work of HEDDON IN BLOOM

All Village groups were invited to take part in the Village organisations awareness days created by HEDDON IN BLOOM, and held in the Knott Hall, this allows the whole village to get together and see which groups are available in the area. Many groups took part and gained support. A further event of this type was to be arranged for the Summer of 2000.

HEDDON IN BLOOM do not actively fund raise as it is felt that there are many other groups who rely upon traditional fundraising events to survive, instead HEDDON IN BLOOM exists solely on donations of plants and cash from local people, businesses and other groups.as well as hands on helpers.

Click the images to load a larger version	The village is swept clean of litter by volunteers on two well advertised days in the year these being in the spring and summer just a few days prior to the visit of the Northumbria in Bloom judges inspection. The last VILLAGE PRIDE DAY (formally Tidy up day) was on Saturday 3rd July 1999. The NIB summer judging took place on 6th July 1999. The Judges toured the village by car and on foot. Visits to 3 selected business premises and three private gardens were made and particular attention given to community involvement, absence of litter and flower displays. In this competition we are compared against other entrants from the Northumberland,Durham. Tyne & Wear.Cleveland, North Yorkshire areas. Heddon has come away with many awards in this competition in previous years although competing against villages who receive financial backing from large councils, and in some areas even the work is carried out completely by councils.

In addition to the Village entry other awards are given, The Peace Garden within the Methodist Church has won the cup for the best grounds of a religious establishment on two occasions. Home From Home boarding kennels has won the award for the best business premises in the region. And in 1999 The Swan was entered in the category of the best Public House.
Success in the NIB competition attracts visitors which in turn assists the local economy. HEDDON IN BLOOM organises two of its own competitions both of which are fought fiercely (but friendly)

Best kept front garden.: open to all residents in the Heddon parish, this is sponsored by Halls of
Heddon. Entry is free and vouchers are provided to the first,second and third award winners.

Certificates are provided to other entrants on a ad hoc basis for categories such as Best hanging basket, tub display etc.

Best kept Business premises: Supported by the Heddon Village show. A shield and certificate are presented to the winner, Certificates are presented to the second/third placed entries. The competitions are Judged in Mid July by invited Judges. Entry/Nomination forms are available from Heddon Library.Halls of Heddon. Village Post Office. or direct entry via our own E mail service.

The awards are given at the Heddon Village show which is held on the first Saturday in September, in the Knott Hall. HEDDON IN BLOOM always tries to be innovative in achieving its aims and in recognition of its work has been awarded two special mention certificates in Her Majesty the Queen Mothers birthday awards. Many areas strive to gain such an award but never manage this, but Heddon has on two separate occasions. It is known that the Work of HEDDON IN BLOOM has assisted in "putting Heddon on the map" and brought funding which has been used for the benefit of the whole Village.

Many tourists from all over the world have commented regarding the flower displays and it is hoped that this will assist local businesses. The Tidy Britain Group have carried out a environmental report on the Village showing areas which they feel can be improved this is available for your information in the Village Library,

Copies have been provided to the Parish, District & County Councils. HIB has also provided a Britain In Bloom book to the Village library in addition to various other items of information. We are awaiting funding to be provided by the T.B.G which will be used to supply litter bins within the village. These will be in addition to those previously donated at the request of HEDDON IN BLOOM by English Heritage. Blue bus Company and B.T. During 1999 HIB underwent a major revamp which included the new E mail Information service for Heddon another first for a Village, and the nominations system for its competitions. To attract new supporters HIB moved away from a formal committee idea to a steering group to run everyday matters. You can see that whatever your skills,capabilities and knowledge are;

If you feel as you can help out in any way e.g looking after a display. Painting, Litter picking. growing plants, helping educate the children in the Village school or be part of the HEDDON IN BLOOM steering group it can not be easier to do so by either coming along to a Village pride day, reply by E mail or by contacting any of the steering group.