NMD Participatory Budgeting (PB)
The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has a project called NMD Communities Leading Change Participatory Budgeting (PB).  PB gives the community a chance to make decisions on how part of the public budget is spent.  We can decide which projects we want to see funded in the District.  This is our chance to make the community a better place to live by choosing projects that we think make a difference, projects which promote positive mental health through increased connectivity.  This is the Saintfield entry:

How To Vote
Each person will have a total of five votes, but you can’t vote for the same project multiple times – you have to pick five different ones!

1. In order to vote you will first need to register HERE.
2. Then select Saintfield (on the 4th page) plus four other entries.
3. Finally submit your vote.

Thank you for voting for Saintfield!

The results of the 2021 Translink “Ulster in Bloom” Competition have been announced celebrating horticultural excellence in cities, towns and villages right across Northern Ireland. The 43rd year of the competition, which aims to boost civic pride by officially recognising beautiful plant and floral displays, attracted 125 location entries from local councils, community groups and businesses.

Saintfield came a creditable third in the Large Village category of the competition.  Culleybackey came first in this category, with Stewartstown runner – up.

Saintfield has consistently featured in this annual competition, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Green Team of volunteers in the Saintfield Development Association.  This is coupled with the support of local traders and businesses who maintain their premises and surrounds to a high standard.

Saintfield’s placing is a great result considering the limited resources and restrictions imposed through the Covid pandemic.

Saintfield  – 3rd in the Large Village Category.

Pictured L-R Vivian Lovell (Saintfield Development Association’s Saintfield in Bloom team),
Cllr Frances Burton (Vice President, NILGA), Cllr Robert Burgess (NILGA President),
Dr Michael Wardlow (Translink Chairman),
Denis Conn (Saintfield Development Association’s Saintfield in Bloom team).

Speaking at the Awards, Translink Chairman Michael Wardlow said:

“Translink is proud of its long-standing role in Ulster in Bloom and it’s great to see the competition grow each year, with 125 entries representing all local council areas as well as 24 bus and train stations entering this year.

“It is heartening to see such fantastic demonstrations of community spirit in action, especially given the challenging times everyone has experienced. These awards clearly highlight the pride so many have for their local areas. The time and dedication given to creating such beautiful spaces is commendable. It’s also great to see so much biodiversity and a focus on sustainability, whether through the use of wildflowers or community allotments, this goes hand in hand with Translink’s Climate Positive Strategy to create a cleaner, greener world for generations to come.

“Our winners demonstrate a true Ulster in Bloom ethos with their skill and enthusiasm to improve their local environment for local people and visitors to enjoy. On behalf of Translink, I’d like to congratulate all our Ulster in Bloom Champions.”

The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA). Councillor Frances Burton, Vice President, NILGA, said:

“The 2021 Translink Ulster in Bloom campaign demonstrated the enormous value and commitment of the 11 councils and our many ‘Bloom’ communities, encouraging us to care for our local places and the wider environment, supporting biodiversity, conservation, wildlife habitats, sustainable planting and the conservation of resources.

“As councils and councillors, a focus on improving the quality of life for citizens right across NI and enhancing our cities, towns and villages has never been more important given the impact of the pandemic on all of us over the past 18 months.

“On behalf of NILGA, our sincere thanks to all those who champion the “In Bloom” message of councils, local committees, residents and businesses, coming together to take pride in the places where you live and work, creating a better environment for everyone to share. Congratulations to everyone and thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.” said Councillor Burton.

To register contact Ellen Brennan via email at ellen.brennan@nmandd.org.

The aim of this survey is to identify whether there is a need for a Community Garden in Saintfield based on local needs and demands. The Community Garden will be located adjacent to the Saintfield Community Centre and will provide opportunities for local residents to engage with nature, undertake horticultural activities, grow fruit and vegetables, socialise and stay physically active. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey. It should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

The survery can be found HERE or by clicking on the picture below..

Saintfield Heritage Society is organising a guided walk around Saintfield
on 12th September as part of this year’s European Heritage Open Days.

Meet in the Memorial Garden located in the graveyard of 1st Saintfield Presbyterian Church.

Access is from the bottom of Comber Street, near the mini roundabout.

The walk starts at 3:00 pm and will last about 90 minutes.

 

The EHOD 2021 brochure can be downloaded HERE.