Awards event highlights vital work in rural communities
AN annual awards event which celebrates and rewards the positive impact volunteers, community organisations and businesses have on rural communities is now open for nominations.
The 2019 Rural Achievement Awards were launched yesterday across Leicestershire and Rutland by the Rural Community Council (RCC).
Martin Traynor, RCC charity chairman, said: “The Rural Achievement Awards are now an important date in the local rural calendar and I would urge as many people and groups as possible to enter this year’s awards.
“They are an excellent way of highlighting the range of high-quality facilities, services and businesses operating within your community and to reward the inspirational people who put their time, energy and passion into making things happen.
“Not only do these awards provide an excellent opportunity for rural organisations and communities to raise their profile, it also gives us a unique chance to showcase their quality and celebrate their success”.
The RCC has confirmed the award categories for the 2019 Rural Achievement Awards which include:
■ Best Community Facility;
■ Best Community Library;
■ The Foxprint Community Engagement Award;
■ The Shepherd & Maycock Rural Business Award;
■ Rural Service Award;
■ The Smallman & Son Unsung Hero Award.
At the 2018 awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jennifer, Lady Gretton, and special Outstanding Impact Awards were presented to The Hero Project CIC and Sport in Desford to recognise the significant and lasting impact they have had on rural communities.
Other award winners in 2018 included Shepherd & Maycock (the Market Harborough branch of NFU Mutual), Rutland Neighbourhood Watch, Hathern Community library, Langham Neighbourhood Plan and Stewart Shepherd (Chairman of Hospice Hope).
Culminating in a celebration dinner on October 10, the 2019 Rural Achievement Awards will again bring people together to celebrate and recognise the many people, community organisations and businesses that contribute to rural life across Leicestershire and Rutland.
Sam Howlett, RCC Executive Director, said: “We are incredibly proud of these awards and of the commitment and achievements of people across our great rural counties.
“We are really excited to be launching the 2019 awards and look forward to hearing about many more inspirational people and groups that help make our rural communities better places to live and work.
“Entries for the 2018 Rural Achievement Awards are now open and we welcome applications from anyone living or working in Leicestershire and Rutland up to our closing date of Monday, April 30.”