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Best Kept competition loses funding
11:10am Wednesday 20th August 2008
THE Best Kept Village competition that has been running throughout Gwent for the past 20 years will carry on despite losing financial backing from a major sponsor.
The group behind the competition, the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (Gavo), is disappointed that the winning schools who in previous years won cash prizes will this year only get a framed certificate.
Glenda Genner, assistant director for Gavo, said awards would be made as usual to all the entrants including the best-kept village hall, churchyard, pub and hamlet.
The competition has five categories for the best and highly commended village, churchyard, village hall and public house, with a separate section for schools.
"In previous years cash prizes have been awarded to the winning village and schools but this year there is no money in the pot for cash prizes or mementos such as trophies," said Ms Genner.
"The independent committee, which runs the competition, has decided that following the unfortunate withdrawal of sponsorship it desperately wants to keep the competition going and would like to carry on giving cash prizes to the schools to encourage them to be part of the community.
"We need to find £300 for the school prizes and would be thrilled if anyone can help us with trophies."
Ms Genner said judging has taken place and confirmed that the presentation evening on September 26 at County Hall will go ahead.
"Itís a popular event and all the volunteers take so much pride in what they do. It's fantastic that the competition can still go ahead.
"Gavo will carry on supporting it and next year we hope to roll it out across the whole of Gwent," she added.
Last year's winners included Llangua for best kept hamlet; Llanellen for the best village in the 351 - 1,000 population category; and Llanfair Kilgeddin Primary for schools with under 75 pupils.
Gavo, who can be contacted on 01291 672352, are appealing for donations to provide trophies and cash prizes.
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