Carnegie UK Trust is today recognising five unsung rural champions across the country. The champions – or ‘Rural Sparks’ - were identified through a widespread search for excellence, run by the Trust.
The nationwide search for ‘Rural Sparks’ unearthed a variety of inspiring projects, from community-run renewable energy schemes, to initiatives promoting local produce, to residents who harnessed a local heritage spot as a source of community revenue.
The final award winners were chosen by a high profile judging panel, with TV personality Jimmy Doherty from Jimmy’s Farm, Eden Project founder Tim Smit; Deputy Editor of Regeneration & Renewal, Ben Walker and former Director of the Commission for Rural Communities, Margaret Clark.
Carnegie UK Trust rural director Kate Braithwaite said:
“We are constantly hearing about how the banks and some industries are being bailed out, however the resilience of rural communities could provide an inspiration to us all. As part of Carnegie’s commitment to rural areas, we wanted to acknowledge the extraordinary work being done in these communities. The projects we are recognising are innovative involve large numbers of people and contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by all”.
The panel considered five projects, one from each part of the UK and Ireland, to be particularly inspiring.
TR 14ers Community Dance Group – England The TR14ers are a remarkable group of young people who have transformed their lives and their community through Street Dance.Community Food Co-operative Project - Wales It’s a simple system in which customers pool their money and orders, collectively giving them buying power. The suppliers deliver in bulk and the co-op volunteers divide up the produce to maximise the value for money.
Callan Renewable Energy Supply Company – Republic of Ireland A programme of projects that involves renewable developments and working with adults with learning disabilities in the areas of community living and organic farming.
The Rural Key Music Project - Northern Ireland A group that organises contemporary music workshops for adults in Rural Ulster.
Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop - Scotland The group was set up to revive the dying art of playing and learning the Fiddle, part of the Argyle communities heritage.
Jimmy Doherty, Rural Sparks judging panellist said of awarded project Community Food Co-operative from Wales:“This project promotes healthy eating and sourcing local produce brings a huge benefit to the local rural community. By using the Food Co-op model produce otherwise unaffordable or unavailable to some sectors of the community suddenly become accessible to all.”
Ben Walker says of Callan Renewable Energy Supply of the Republic of Ireland:
“CRESO has successfully stitched together economic, social and environmental causes for the benefit of the local area.”
The successful projects will be recognised for their hard work and innovation at a conference to be held at the Eden Project on April 15th. The conference is a collaboration between four pioneering organisations The Eden Project Cornwall, the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, Tipperary Institute Ireland and the Falkland Centre for Stewardship in Scotland and will address the practical ways that rural communities can survive in these hard and challenging times.- ENDS-
For further information, interview requests and images, contact:
Ashnoor Pardhan, Linstock Communications Tel: 020 7089 2090
ashnoor@linstockcommunications.com
Morag Pavich, Carnegie UK Trust Tel: 01383 721445