Volunteers awarded for dedication to historic village green in Sunderland
It’s a much-deserved award for volunteers who dedicate their time to improving the community.
A dedicated team of green-fingered volunteers who help preserve and improve Southwick’s ancient village green have received high praise for their efforts.
Southwick Village Green Preservation Society and SARA (Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations ) have received the highest grading in the recent It’s Your Neighbourhood category at the Northumberland in Bloom presentations.
Not only were judges impressed with the green itself and its array of floral displays, but also the history panels and heritage blue plaques arranged by the volunteers to record Southwick's ancient history and memorable people.
Peter Gibson, chairman of Southwick Village Green Preservation Society, said: “Our committee members were extremely proud to show off our work this year, which is the result of six years of dedicated hard work.
“Many people in the Southwick community have said The Green has never looked so good.”
Representatives from Southwick Village Green Preservation Society and Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations attended the Northumbria in Bloom Awards Ceremony at the FedEx, Gateshead, this month.
There, judge Janis Green assessed their performance by awarding 90 points out of a possible 100 points and awarding the highest Level 5, Outstanding, in the It's Your Neighbourhood category.
She said: "Initiative to return Southwick Green to a colourful, inviting space is driven by Southwick Village Green Preservation Society and Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations.
“This urban green space is an excellent example of how a community-led horticultural initiative can transform a high-traffic concrete area into a vibrant, uplifting sanctuary.
“Planting is exuberant, vibrant and bursting with colour, offering visual relief and joy to commuters, shoppers and residents alike.
“Despite the challenging location, the floral displays are well kept and healthy, reflecting dedicated care. The site serves as a keeper of local identity.
“It integrates memorials to those who fell in the World Wars, memorial boards keeping local history alive. Photographs of residents and artwork done by local school children are on display."