Search is on for 2010 Calor Village of the Year

29 April 2010

Small can be beautiful, according to Calor and RDC, who, this year are introducing a Rural Community Award alongside the annual search for the 2010 Calor Village of the Year.

The Calor Rural Community Award will recognise and acknowledge the contribution made by smaller rural communities with a population of less than 1,000, with the overall title of Calor Village of the Year open to all rural communities with a population of less than 4,500.

The competition, run in conjunction with the Rural Development Council (RDC), celebrates vibrant, enterprising and caring rural communities and the vital role they play to life in Northern Ireland.

Similar to previous years, it will assess villages and rural communities on five aspects of rural life – building community life, business, young people, environment and older people.

Each category winner and the Rural Award winner will each receive £1,000 with an additional £5,000 on offer to the village which wins the overall 2010 Calor Village of the Year award.

Launching the competition, Mark Mc Clements, Regional Sales Manager, Calor, said: “Since we introduced the Northern Ireland Calor Village of the Year competition we have been overwhelmed by the commitment and enthusiasm of local people to help showcase the significant role that rural communities play to life in Northern Ireland.

“It celebrates the outstanding achievements of all of our rural communities, and demonstrates that Northern Ireland is home to many vibrant villages of all sizes with highly commendable people who are making a lasting difference to rural life.”

Martin McDonald, Chief Executive, Rural Development Council, said: “We work closely with rural groups on a daily basis and witness first hand the hard work and dedication that local people bring to making a positive contribution to village life. We are delighted to continue to support Calor in recognising the importance of rural communities to Northern Ireland.”

Ahoghill won the 2009 Calor Village of the Year competition and was praised for its outstanding effort, consistency and achievement in all categories of the competition. The County Antrim village demonstrated an exceptional level of community involvement, along with a real sense of pride which gave judges a genuine appreciation for what it was like to live in the village.

Kelli McCaw, The Wash Basin in Ahoghill, said: “Winning the 2009 Calor Village of the Year Competition was a wonderful achievement and provided everyone in Ahoghill with a tremendous boost. I would encourage any village to take part in the competition, as it brings a great sense of pride and togetherness to your local community.”

For more information on the 2010 Calor Village of the Year competition and to download an application pack visit: www.calorvillageoftheyear.org/northern-ireland or contact RDC on 028 8676 6980

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