Someone in the village heard about this competition on the radio & wondered if we could post an article on the blog, to see if anyone is interested in:
- 1. The village taking part in this competition.
- 2. Co-ordinating the entry.
Some of the information needed for the entry has already been gathered through the Big Lottery Bid and through the Community Pub of the Year, but there would still be work to do, (email us at parwich@hotmail.co.uk )
Prize money could go toward the Memorial Hall project – to help equip the interior.
The Calor Village of the Year® competition is a search for the most vibrant, enterprising and sustainable communities. It helps communities to evaluate themselves, by working out exactly what goes on in their area, thinking of how to safeguard the long-term viability of local life benefits the village hugely. Generally judges are looking for lively communities with activities for all ages in their area. Forward-thinking villages with clear ideas about how they can move with the times are likely to succeed – and not just in the Calor Village of the Year® competition. Elton was the winner from Derbyshire last year.
Please complete the poll and add your views.
The competition includes four compulsory categories that the village is judged on:
- 1. Community.
What local facilities, services and activities are available, e.g. crèche, pre-school groups, youth groups, other? How are these supported by your community?Are young people encouraged to be involved in decision making forums which affect their role in village life? How are the needs of young people assessed?What facilities, services and activities are available for senior citizens in your village, e.g. car schemes, home help, social clubs?Is there a forum which focuses decision-making processes?
Does your village suffer from anti social behavior? How do you deal with low level crime such as graffiti and criminal damage?
Are senior citizens involved in village activities and what part do they play in the life of your village?
- 2. Business.
- 3. Sustainability.
What has been, or is currently being undertaken in your community to help protect and improve the local and global environment?Are there areas of special conservation? Who manages them? Tell us about policy and practice of conservation in your village. How do village people become involved?Are there any energy saving initiatives, Eco Builds, Local sourcing, Water conservation, Community public transport/green travel plans?
- 4. Communications.
What do you do to welcome ALL new residents into the community life? How do they find out about your community and what is going on?What measures does your Community Council take to ensure that all sections of the community have their say in Village life? How do they pass information on to the whole community?How do people in need of care, help and support within your community find out what organised services are available to assist them?What are the benefits for the village from Information Communication Technology – tourism, provision of email, local communications within the village and surrounding area, business, environmental, other ideas?
What other innovative ways is ICT being used – perhaps SMS alerts, web cams etc..?
How are businesses supportive of community life?
What employment opportunities do these businesses offer to local people?
Approximately how many local people are employed?
Are there any community businesses or opportunities for community businesses in the village?
What kind of benefits, either real or potential, does or will the community business provide to the residents?
The closing date of entries for Derbyshire is 29th May.
Our regional organiser is based at Wirksworth & can be contacted for more detail:
Chris Adlington, Derbyshire Rural Community Council. 01246 236714. aadlington@talktalk.net
PARWICH.ORG 
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