The National Pride of Place Awards are back this year for their 21st Anniversary!
The awards which are run by Co-operation Ireland, its local authority partners and its headline sponsor this year, IPB Insurance are an acknowledgement of the huge amount of work being done by communities across the Country to enhance the area they live in. It is also a celebration of the people behind the projects.
A couple of new categories have been introduced this year including ‘Welcoming New Communities’ and ‘Climate Action & Biodiversity’, highlighting the progressive nature of the ‘Pride of Place Awards’ aswell as the importance of communities that evolve with their residents and their environment.
Wicklow have four entrants in this years awards which are due to take place in Armagh City Hotel on Friday 10th November, hosted by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Judges are expected to descend on Avoca Village next Wednesday, 6th September to assess the ‘Avoca – Stepping Forward Together” Project. The visit will include a tour of the Avoca Mill, a Project Pressentation at the Community Hall, The Red Kite Walk and Rooster Park.
Strong community representation is important so the judges can see the community support and representatives from local clubs are asked to attend the Community Centre ahead of the 10am presentation in their club / group colours.
Following the development of a community fitness hub in their village, previous Winners of a ‘Special Award’ in the 2021 Pride of Place Awards, Kiltegan Village were described as by Co-operation Ireland as
“This village is developing fantastic future plans for the entire area and is mindful that these plans must be all inclusive. The local volunteers had the determination and energy to delivery this resource for the village. A previous National Tidy Towns Competition winner, Kiltegan not only looks a special place in which to live, but is a place for an entire community to flourish.”
Wicklow News wish Greystones Sensory Garden, ReWild Wicklow, Avoca Village and Hollywood Village well in the upcoming 2023 awards.
