Devon County Show - Green is the colour for Devon County Show award

The call is once again going out from the Devon County Agricultural Association for community projects geared to local food, local energy and local services to enter for the Prince of Wales Award.

The award is made each year at the Devon County Show to the community organisation, including schools, which the judges consider is doing most to improve the lives of others in a sustainable way.

This year’s winner was the Stokeinteignhead Community Shop, near Newton Abbot, which is run by a co-operative of some 250 villagers.  It replaced a village shop and post office that was closed in 2008, and has since gone from strength to strength, revitalising the community in the process.

Shop Manager, Tara Riggs, said that winning the Prince of Wales Award had given the whole community a lift.

“It seemed to put a spring in everyone’s step.  Not just the volunteers, although they were absolutely delighted, but the entire village, and it certainly helped to boost trade, as well.

“With the prize-money for the award, we were able to purchase a new awning for the shop front, which is a real asset to the business.  The Prince of Wales award was just the lift that we needed, and it has undoubtedly helped us to go on from strength to strength.”

For the DCAA, Chief Executive Mervyn Hosking said: “The sort of projects we are looking for will come in all shapes and sizes and all shades of green!

“But the key words are ‘community’ and ‘sustainable’.  That means that it is a team effort which adds to, rather than depleting natural resources, and that it is built to last.  Beyond that, if a project shows real imagination and the potential to become a beacon for others to follow, then that would be very much in its favour.”

The award carries a cash prize of £1000, donated by the Prince of Wales.  The closing date for entries is the end of February, and the award will be presented at the 2012 Devon County Show, May 17-19.

For further information and an application form:   please contact Julie Wallace on 01392 353710 or membership@dcshow.org

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