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Call to Action for Welsh Villages

With the closing date of the 2007 Calor Village of the Year® for Wales competition fast approaching on April 12, communities across the Principality are being reminded not to leave it too late to get their entries in.

The introduction of a simplified ‘tick box’ entry form this year means that it is easier and quicker than ever for villages to participate in the competition, which celebrates the richness and diversity of Welsh villages whilst encouraging community participation. Entrants are judged on up to four categories covering People, Business, Environment and Communications. They are also asked to explain in less than 500 words: ‘What makes your village a special place?’

Suzanne Weir, Calor Village of the Year® manager, wants as many villages as possible to benefit from taking part in the competition this year. She commented: “The response from villages to this year’s competition has been positive so far, but we are hoping that the simplified entry format will encourage even more communities to give the competition a go. We are not judging what your community has, but what your community does so even the smallest villages have a good chance of winning a prize. The closing date is approaching, but there is still plenty of time for villages to enter if they act now.”

The bi-lingual Calor Village of the Year® for Wales competition is open to all villages of 5,000 or under. Cash prizes are available for category winners in North and South Wales, as well as an overall regional winner for North and South from which a winner for Wales will be chosen. For a village to be considered for the overall title of Calor Village of the Year® for Wales 2007, it will need to enter all four of the competition’s categories.

If you’re interested in entering your village into the competition or if you require any further information please contact Calor on 01962 629768, email info@calorvillageoftheyear.org or download an entry form from the competition website (www.calorvillageoftheyear.org).

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Further press information available from: Emma Flinn, Connectpoint, tel: 0161 817 4200, email: emma.flinn@connectpoint.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Calor Village of the Year®

Calor, the leading supplier of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) to those living and working in the countryside, has supported rural activities in England, Scotland and Wales for 21 years through its Rural Sponsorship programme, which includes the Calor Village of the Year® for Wales competition.

The Calor Village of the Year® for Wales competition is open to rural communities throughout Wales with a population of 5,000 or under. Entry is open to all Community Councils or other community groups if they are in line with the following criteria:

• A ‘not for profit’ local organisation or trust set up to improve the social, economic or environmental health of the 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.

Please note that Calor Village of the Year® is a registered trademark and should be referred to in full in all circumstances.

The national Calor Village of the Year® judges look for well-balanced, pro-active, caring communities which, irrespective of size, have made the best of local opportunities to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The competition in Wales assesses communities on four aspects of rural village life: People, Business, Environment, and Communications. Villages are also asked to explain in less than 500 words: ‘What makes your village a special place?’ Villages can enter as many or as few of the categories as they wish.

For general information on the Calor Village of the Year® for Wales competition –
email: info@calorvillageoftheyear.org, tel: 01962 629768or visit the bi-lingual competition website: www.calorvillageoftheyear.org

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