A VILLAGE community group has become one of the first to win one of country’s biggest accolades.
Shelley Community Association (SCA), which runs a whole host of voluntary groups for villagers of all ages, is the 12th to win the Government’s Big Society Award.
The award, issued by Prime Minister David Cameron, recognises outstanding and inspirational voluntary contributions to society.
The Big Society, introduced by the Coalition Government, hopes to promote voluntary action and encourage people to be more active in how their communities are run.
SCA runs Shelley Village Hall and community groups including an over-60s club, Brownies, sports and arts clubs.
The association holds a biennial garden festival, concerts, plays, dances and a New Year’s Day welly walk.
In 2009 when the village post office was threatened with closure, SCA allowed the office to run from the village hall.
One Big Society Award is presented each week to voluntary groups across the country. The first wave of winners, including SCA, will be invited to a celebration event at Number 10 at a date to be announced.
Mr Cameron said: “Shelley Community Association has given its residents something very special – the chance to become more involved in their village, strengthen their community and improve life for them and their fellow villagers.
“With its numerous clubs and social events, this strong, active community, is an excellent example of the Big Society.
“Congratulations to all those involved in the Association for making Shelley the thriving village that it is.”
SCA chairwoman Ann Priestman said: “Our visitors call us ‘the friendly village’ – that’ll do for us.
“We have total inclusion, and this is a stimulating and invigorating environment where talents as well as issues surface and are utilised to enhance the well-being of everyone in this village.
“In fact in this village you need an hourly diary. How many other 80-year-olds complain of being double booked most days? And they are often the volunteers.
“You will never have been in a village which is so co-operative in such a personal way, across generations, groups, public services, and out to our businesses. It is astounding how beneficial that personal network is.
“We are delighted to win this award – we all knew we were the Big Society in practice – and for the Prime Minister to appreciate us in this way recognises the dynamism of our volunteers in every capacity and their commitment to improve the lives and environment of themselves and their neighbours, work which is not done for achievement but for satisfaction. We are very satisfied.”
