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change 21

Voluntary organisations looking towards a better future.

Dan Norris, MP presented change21 Awards those voluntary sector groups that have worked towards a more sustainable future.

Radstock Museum hosted the Change21 Awards Ceremony for voluntary organisations contributing to the Change21: Vision for a Better Future on Friday. Awards were presented by Dan Norris, MP (Wansdyke). Opening the event he said "There are some very wonderful groups here - many of I've not heard of before and so I am very much looking forward to hearing more about how they are working to improve quality of life in our District."

Totally Maracas received a Change21 Award for their work which includes community drama and dance classes, together with developing educational tapes. "Everything we do is mixed ability and anyone is very welcome". And an award for activities that improve the local economy together with the local environment and meets the needs of local people was presented to Southside Food Coop who said at the ceremony, "As a result of the Food Coop, residents in Twerton and Whiteway no longer have to buy more expensive food, and we're cutting down food miles buy buying locally grown food". John Nickerson was delighted to receive a Change21 Award on behalf of Folly Farm, adding that the group was hoping to demonstrate sustainable building methods through involvement of young people and the wider community. "The way that we build has a he affect on our wildlife and biodiversity - roofs and buildings have traditionally provided nesting space for a range of animals and birds"

Dan Norris, MP said, "This was a terrific occasion, voluntary organisations are vitally important to making change for the better in the District and I am hoping that this ceremony will become an annual event". The award scheme is organised by Envolve Partnerships for Sustainability, a member of the Local Agenda21 Initiative. "It has been a very successful event giving recognition for the hard work by this important group of local people. That extra effort has been rewarded today with the certificates, a celebratory lunch and an opportunity to look around a fascinating Museum."

Helen Jones, Community Projects Officer, Envolve