About the Competition

Did you know that more than one third of all people who live in Northern Ireland live in a rural area? That is nearly 600,000 people in total (Source: 2005 URDG Class).

With statistics like this, you can see why rural communities continue to play a significant and vital role in maintaining a sustainable and flourishing rural Northern Ireland . However, the pace of life today means that time spent bringing rural communities closer together has never been more important.

Have you ever considered what your village has to offer the people who live there? Would you
describe it as vibrant and enterprising, or is it in need of a boost? Calor Gas Northern Ireland Ltd, in association with the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC - see more below), have launched the Calor Village of the Year® competition in Northern Ireland and the search for this year's winner.

For more information about Calor Gas Ireland , visit www.calorgasni.com.

Who can enter?

The Calor Village of the Year competition is open to all rural communities throughout Northern Ireland with a population of 4,500 or under. Entry is open to community based organisations / groups if they meet any of the following criteria:

•  A ‘not for profit' local organisation or trust which has been set up to improve the social, economic or environmental well-being of your 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.

Applications are welcomed from single organisations operating within a community, however, if more than one group operates in your area we suggest you consider applying collectively since the competition is about recognising your Village as a whole. This could help you complete more categories and help the judges fully understand the extent of community activity in your area.

If you are unsure about your group's eligibility, please telephone Calor Village of the Year competition, on 028 9045 8466 or e-mail: competition@calorgasni.co.uk . Alternatively you may contact RDC on 028 8676 6980 or email info@rdc.org.uk

If you want to find out more about the competition please contact competition@calorgasni.co.uk

Find out how to enter and download the entry form

Rural Schools Awards - NEW FOR 2009

This year we are including an additional element alongside the Calor Village of the Year Competition for Rural schools. We are asking our rural schools to tell us about the role they play in their community, how they contribute to and are involved in local life, and how they help make their community a better place to live!

We will be recognising the important role our rural schools play in their locality and highlighting the contribution they make to our rural communities.

Find out how to enter

The Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC)

The Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) is an independent organisation operating at a regional level across rural Northern Ireland.

Established in 1991 RDC is presently managed by a 13 member Council comprised of representatives drawn for a wide range of rural interests including youth, farming, environment, business, women, education, community development, culture and heritage.

They are involved in the delivery of support services, both financial and practical, to organisations
involving people locally in planning regeneration projects that meet the real needs of rural communities.

This has included, among other activities, support and help to people in rural areas to develop community halls, create workspace, sustain transport networks, build play parks, deliver training, protect their environment, access essential services and maintain their local shop. RDC activities are based on the principle that local people are best placed to identify their needs and propose solutions.

More information on the work of RDC can be accessed online at www.rdc.org.uk