Village Achievement Awards 2010
Village Achievement Awards Results 2010
33 community groups from across Leicestershire & Rutland gathered to find out if they had won an award in the Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland) Village Achievement Awards.
Over 100 people gathered at Kibworth Old Grammar School Hall on September 23rd to witness communities from Measham (North West Leicestershire) , Houghton on the Hill (Harborough) and Sapcote (Blaby) receive the winners award in the three categories of the competition for their locally run projects. Each of the 3 received a winners certificate and a cheque for £150.00.
Measham took the honour in the Community category for their entry based around the annual ‘Heart of the Forest Festival’
The annual ‘Heart of the Forest Festival’; a sustainable, free and inclusive community event - the result of interest shown by the community through a Parish Plan - which involved much of the community and raised the profile of Measham. The Festival has taken place annually since 2007, growing in size and stature. For 2010 the theme of the Festival encourages further engagement from minority groups. The Festival involves a wide range of people, groups and service providers, with many local villagers involving their communities in Festival activities.
Houghton on the Hill scored highly to capture the Cleaner and Greener Category with their efforts in improving the village’s environment
The Parish Council took action following the Parish Plan of 2004, focusing on improving the village’s environment, reducing its carbon footprint , maintaining its historical rural nature and providing modern facilities.
Following a consultation, the Council funded a tree planting project and in the past three years, volunteers have planted trees and hedges, created a fruit orchard, maintained areas, involved local school children and Scouts. The Council have provided litter and recycling bins, improved the allotments and arboretum, installed scenic seats and restored the Village Pump using the skills of local village craftsmen.
Sapcote beat off tough competition to win the Col John Heggs Village and Commmunity Hall category with their new Community and Sports Hall
Through their Parish Plan the Parish Council and the Recreation Ground Management Committee identified the need for a new village hall, with the unanimous support of all groups in the village. The robust and pleasant design of the hall meets the needs of a wide range of community uses and as a sports venue. The hall design incorporates security and an energy efficient roof solution with access to the playing field. The hall provides a focal point for the community, and community spirit, with a new wealth of events, meetings and health activities. The project received funding from the FLAG grant, Blaby District Council and the Parish Council.
Diana Cook project manager for the competition said
‘ This new competition has really got underway with an impressive range of entries. It really shows that ‘The Big Society’ is working in Leicestershire and Rutland helped by community led planning which has played a part in these initiatives that have been run by volunteers. From the RCC’s point of view, the hard work and ideas of our dedicated volunteer Competitions Committee and volunteer judges has made this happen. We shall look forward to even more entries next year’
In addition 9 communities scooped small cash prizes and gold awards while another 14 received silver awards and 10 communities received bronze awards.
A ful list of results can be seen below.
Category |
Winner |
Gold Award |
Silver Award |
Bronze Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Community |
Measham |
Barrowden |
Bagworth |
Belton Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe & Acresford |
Col John Heggs Best Village Hall |
Sapcote |
Manton |
Braunston in Rutland |
Blaby |
Cleaner & Greener |
Houghton on the Hill |
Thringstone |
Barrowden |
Barrow Upon Soar |
The RCC is proud to announce the results of this exciting new village competition that was open to all villages in Leicestershire & Rutland (maximum population size of 10,000 with no population size sub-sections. The RCC Achievement Awards recognises a particular achievements in any of the following three categories and will award Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates. A winning village is also identified in each category. These achievements must have taken place within the last 3 years.
Villages can enter all 3 categories, but only one entry per category.
Community
A particular achievement in this category might be a special activity programme for young people, a pantomime, a scarecrow festival, a village show, senior citizens event or an event to show village involvement organised by residents.
Village/Community Halls
An achievement in this category will highlight work done to improve the village/community building, it might be the acquisition of part of the Hallmark scheme, acquiring and using a grant to improve the village or community hall facility.
Cleaner and Greener
Has the village/community planted trees, set up a recycling facility, organised a mammoth litter pick or planted bulbs or held an environment event? Have young people become involved in a project? Does your village have an achievement to show it is seriously concerned with its environment?
Closing date – 19th April 2010
Judging will take place during the period 14th to 25th June 2010
Achievement Awards Presentation Evening – 23rd September 2010
Anyone requiring information or guidance relating to the competition should contact; Village Achievement Awards Diana Cook dcook@ruralcc.org.uk
Good Luck with your entry
No village will have everything! But we believe that every village has got something, so please tell us about it by entering the competition