|
Calor launched the Scottish Calor Village of the Year® 2008 competition as it felt a new competition, which followed the proven formula used in other parts of the UK, would be an ideal successor to the successful Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards that concluded in 2006.
Organised by Calor the awards provide Scotland’s rural communities, with a population of 5,000 and under, with the opportunity to gain recognition and reward for their achievements.
The new competition is being supported by the ASCC (Association of Scottish Community Councils) and Rural Gateway, who will assist with promotion and judging.
The Scottish Calor Village of the Year® competition is the perfect opportunity for communities to focus on their achievements. By working together for a common, competitive cause, communities can build a platform for future development.
One of the key elements of the Calor Village of the Year® competitions is to encourage communities to work together to safeguard the long-term viability of local life. The battle against social exclusion, which is a real problem in today's hustle-and-bustle society, can be supported through the competition, with tangible results.
There are many advantages to entering: winning communities will benefit from increased kudos, helping to get themselves heard in matters of local concern and the increased media coverage, which accompanies entry to the competition, can attract attention from beyond the local area, with the potential to bring investment from within Scotland and beyond.
How communities enter
The Scottish Calor Village of the Year® competition is open to all rural communities throughout Scotland with a population of 5,000 or under. Entry is open to Community Councils, Community Associations and other local representative bodies or community groups if they meet any of the following criteria:
- A ‘not for profit’ local organisation or trust set up to improve the social, economic or environmental health of the local community.
- A strong emphasis on the involvement of local individuals or groups active within the community.
- Partnerships, networks or forums acting within a localised community.
Register for the competition by clicking here(PLEASE NOTE - THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES HAS NOW PASSED)
The judges are looking for: “Well balanced, pro-active, caring communities which, irrespective of size, have made the best of local opportunities to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all inhabitants.”
See our guide to help you assess the potential of your own community in the competition. The guide details all competition categories as well as the judging criteria - it's an ideal way to evaluate your community's strengths and weaknesses.
The Categories
The competition is not about beautification and pretty window boxes. The entry categories cover a variety of community issues from contribution to the community's young people, to the environment and the elderly.
The competition assesses communities on four aspects of rural village life: People, Environment, Business and Communications. You are also asked to tell us in less than 500 words, 'What makes your community a special place?'
The Prizes
National Winner = £3,000
Four Regional Winners (Calor Village of the Year® for North Scotland, Calor Village of the Year® for Central Scotland, Calor Village of the Year® for Southern Scotland and Calor Village of the Year® for the Scottish Islands) = £1,000 each – click here for definition of the areas.
All prize winners and finalists will also receive commemorative plaques and/or certificates.
More Information
If you are unsure about your group’s eligibility or require more information, please contact the Scottish Calor Village of the Year® competition, by calling The PR Partnership on 01224 248007, or e-mailing info@calorvillageoftheyear.org.
For media enquiries, please call Emma Hogarty on 01224 248007.
PLEASE NOTE - THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES HAS NOW PASSED.
|
