Stakes Raised for Welsh Communities - Could your village hit the jackpot this year?
Launched back in January, a significant prize fund boost in this year’s Calor Village of the Year for Wales awards is sure to set the competition alight – with more communities than ever striving to win a share of the new £15,000 prize fund. In addition to the increased prize fund, competition organisers have also extended the deadline for entries – to Friday 29 May.
Calor Village of the Year is open to communities throughout Wales with a population of 5,000 and under. Organised and funded by off-mains gas supplier Calor on an annual basis, it’s a search for the most vibrant and energised communities in the Principality and, with an emphasis on sustainability the competition rewards communities that strive to improve life for residents of all ages.
Thanks to the increase in prize money, one winner for Wales will be awarded a minimum of £9,000 which can then be invested back into community projects. Regional winners will also be rewarded and there are a number of category prizes on offer too. The total prize fund comes to £15,000.
The competition judges communities across four areas: Community – a better place to live; Business – a better place to work; Sustainability – a better future; and Communications – being in contact. There is also an opportunity for communities to tell the judges about difficulties they have encountered in recent times, and what steps have been taken to solve or limit them.
Competition manager at Calor, Suzanne Weir, explains further: “Feedback from the communities that have taken part in the competition over the years has shown that, prize money aside, just taking part offers massive benefits. It’s an opportunity to ‘health check’ your community and look in depth at what you are doing really well, while at the same time addressing areas where things can be improved.
“However, at Calor we’re also aware of how much time and effort communities are putting into raising funds for community projects. With the increased prize fund, we can now offer them significant amounts in terms of prize money and we’re certain that this will encourage more than ever to get involved.”
Entries received by the new closing date of Friday 29 May will be split into one of three regions – North Wales, South Wales, and Mid & West Wales. Initial judging of their written entries will take place and a number of entrants will then go on to further judging when teams of judges will visit each community and award the prizes.
Prizes are on offer to one winner in each category, as well as an overall winner for each region and, ultimately, a winner for Wales; a title which was won by the Wrexham village of Froncysyllte – well known in the region as Fron - in 2008.
The entry form can be downloaded from the competition website at www.calorvillageoftheyear.org or requested from Brian Challis on 01962 629768.
To find out more about Calor Village of the Year you can visit the competition website at www.calorvillageoftheyear.org
In 2009, Calor Village of the Year Wales is being supported by many organisations including One Voice Wales and CPRW (Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales).
