The winning entry will receive £1,000 to boost its funds, as well as a certificate signed by Prince Charles, to be presented at the DCAA’s flagship event, the Devon County Show, which will be held this year from May 19-21.
DCAA Chief Executive, Richard Maunder, emphasised that applications would be welcomed from local initiatives of every shape and size.
“Those of us who live and work in rural Devon know full well how much is being done at a local level to improve people’s lives and the environment in which they live, through all manner of different organisations, partnerships and initiatives”, he said.
“There is no one model at which the Prince of Wales Award is aimed. We welcome all-comers. If it is local, if it involves volunteers and if it is aimed at improving the quality of community life, then get the application in!”
Past winners have included a community shop, an allotment association and, last year, a collaborative venture involving the village hall committee, the parish council and the parochial church council in the North Devon Village of Swimbridge.
All the winners have said what a difference their success has made to their initiatives, including the Swimbridge Community co-ordinator, David Netherway.
“The award has meant so much to our community, and particularly to all of the many people directly involved,” he said.
“The prize-money has been divided equally between our three projects, the Jubilee Hall, the Streamside Garden and the Green Team, and the certificate signed by Prince Charles now hangs proudly in our ‘pub as hub’, the Jack Russell Inn.
“I would strongly recommend any community-based group to apply for the award, and we would be happy to share our experience with others, to show how working together can make a difference.”
Entries for the Prince of Wales Award close on March 14. Application forms are available on the Devon County Show website, or from Lisa Moore on: features@dcshow.org or call 01392 353781.
