Cresswell - Young People Award Winner

The village of Creswell’s industrial history lies in mining, but since the millennium the village has undergone a regeneration program and thanks to the determination of the community the improvements are outstanding. The Village Forum and Village Company are two initiatives that permeates all aspects of the community life in Creswell and echo the qualities which the Calor Village of the Year® competition look for.

Despite closures of the colliery and the demise of the mining industry in Creswell, there are signs of a growing business community supported by the Parish Council, which is actively encouraging the development of disused land and encouraging business owners to become more involved in community life. The business health of the village is starting to indicate signs of sustainability with villagers actively benefiting from employment.

The young people of Creswell are fully embraced in this community with concerted effort in more deprived areas to support the next generation including the Village Company, after school and school holiday projects, a Pop Art Initiative, and a drop in youth club known as ‘Youth Point’. These schemes encourage activities including Tai Chi, guitar playing, table top games, group singing, story-telling, drama and art.

Creswell Crags Team is a project teaching people how to survive in the great outdoors, coaching skills ranging from fire making to the exploration of cave tunnels and field trips. Over 110 people have taken part so far.

40% of Creswell’s residents are elderly and the community ensures OAP’s and over 60’s are entertained weekly with groups and activities and even holidays.

Creswell’s commitment to the environment is pronounced, key projects being the restoration of the woolen mill and the Fox Green. The green has been sympathetically fenced and walled to protect safe play and trees and daffodils planted to enhance this busy green space.
The involvement of all sectors of this in a variety of projects will help ensure the village’s viability and help make it a great place to live.

The village of Cresswell has a population of 5,000.

Visit the Cresswell web site at www.elmtonwithcreswellparish.org.uk