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Calor Gas Village of the Year Competition 2002 |
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CALOR GAS ‘VILLAGE OF THE YEAR’ NATIONAL COMPETITION
JACKSDALE & WESTWOOD VOTED REGIONAL FINALISTS.
Once again, thanks to the leadership of Edward Holmes, at very short notice, B.A.D.J.E.R decided to enter this prestigious competition. We had only a few short weeks to produce a twenty page colour brochure, interspersed with photos of village life. The Competition is all about ‘Community Spirit’ and so we thought we’d give it a try.
B.A.D.J.E.R. decided to enter five of the available categories. The booklet covered many aspects of village life and featured the B.A.D.J.E.R. projects which have taken place over the last two years. Local businesses were mentioned and thanked for all the various ways they have helped the community. Local Organisers were also praised for their commitment in running and organising so many different clubs and societies.
On 14th Oct 2002 a two hour presentation took place at the Franklin Road, Christian Centre. Many members of the community kindly gave up their free time to talk about their involvement in Community Life.
Enid
Lindsay Jacksdale Miners Welfare
Rev.
Tim Mitchell St
Mary’s Church, Westwood
Alison
Buckman B.A.D.J.E.R.
Andrea
Mills Westwood School
Pastor
Philip Pye Jacksdale Christian
Centre
Ken
Tetley The Cyber Café
Carol
Taylor-Cockayne Jacksdale Heritage
Andrew
Smith A.D.C.
Local Plans
Roy
Weaver Memorial Garden
Shirley
Houseman United Reform Church
Eric
& Lily Smith The Ramblers &
Breakaways
Mary
Wright Community Transport Scheme
Master
of Ceremonies Edward Holmes
The atmosphere during the presentation was absolutely ‘electric’. So many people had come together at such short notice and were amazed how closely all of the various groups do work together and how we are so closely linked.
But we were even more amazed just a week or so later to discover that out of the 1500 villages who entered the competition, Jacksdale & Westwood had won the regional award for Central England and were one of only 6 villages left in the competition.
Things got even more exciting from thereon. On 13th Nov 2002 a television crew filming for ‘UK Style’ visited the village to film and interview participants and residents. This will culminate in a documentary about the six finalists which will be broadcast in January 2003.
Now having won through to regional level, we were asked to repeat our presentation on the 20th November 2002 before a panel of National Judges. The presentation was filmed by the UK Style crew and Heritage Member Terry Tomlinson was present to video the event. The event was opened by Edward Holmes, with a surprise visit from a group of Jacksdale School Children, supervised by Mrs Lorraine Eaton, head teacher, who sang an opening song “This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna Let it Shine”.
On 10th Dec 2002, Edward & Hilda Holmes attended the National Presentation at The Millennium Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London to receive our regional prize from H.R.H. Princess Ann.
