RETIRED teacher James Dobson is a lesson to others in how to improve life in a local community – and now he has been honoured for his efforts.
At the Northumbria in Bloom awards in Saltburn yesterday, Mr Dobson, 68, from Prudhoe, in Northumberland, was given the accolade of outstanding contribution by a private individual.
He was nominated by Prudhoe Town Council, which said: “He is an active member of the Bloom working group and his contribution is passionate.
“James put forward the idea for a stone seat and planter at the west end of the town, acquired the stone, oversaw the funding, the construction and the planting.
“As founder and organiser of Prudhoe Ground Force, James has taken the lead on a great number of initiatives, including clearing litter and tidying up the more neglected areas of the town.
“He is an active member of the Friends of Prudhoe Woods group who promote the conservation and preservation of woodlands, wildlife and the countryside in and around Prudhoe.”
Town council chairman Jennifer McGee said: “We think he is an exceptional individual who is very tenacious and just gets on quietly with all the work he does.”
James was deputy head teacher at Throckley First School in Newcastle for 30 years. He said: “It’s a case of getting things done. I just like being busy and improving the town where I have lived for 36 years.”
Bloom judges said they were amazed at how communities had overcome the squeeze on finances to produce an eye-catching array of floral attractions which saw a record number of gold accolades handed out.
Accolades were also presented in the Growing Together Northumbria in Bloom scheme for schools’ gardening, which is backed by Cowell’s garden centre in Newcastle.
A record 52 entries were received this year.
Eileen Burn, chairman of Northumbria in Bloom, said: “Towns, villages and local authorities have faced up to the challenges of this year with tremendous enthusiasm and imagination. We need cheer and uplift in these times, and that is exactly what we have found in our visits round the North East – with wonderful floral and visual delights produced by hardworking and dedicated communities.”
Northumbria in Bloom is now supported by property management, development and regeneration company Places for People.
