The Vision Group for Sidmouth’s “Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards” for 2021 are well under way.
Launched last month, scores of nominations have come in proposing all manner of groups, businesses and individuals for an award which recognises the good work being done over the last year.
There are three categories for the Champion Awards – community, resilience and sustainability.
“This is about all the efforts being made in these difficult times,” says VGS chair Peter Murphy. “To look after both neighbours and neighbourhoods, to keep going through the pandemic, and to still take care of the planet as we go about all of this.”
Just to look at the award for sustainability, what sort of groups or activities would cover this?
“Anyone or anything, basically, that shows care for and interest in our environment,” continues Peter, “Whether it’s picking up litter or selling products which aren’t immediately going to end up in landfill.”
Looking at more specific examples, which champions could be nominated for an award which focusses on sustainability?
There are all the green groups in the Sid Valley which have managed to do great things even during lockdown – and which perhaps deserve our praises even more, as we’ve all come to appreciate the value of nature, of clean air and our beautiful landscapes these last months.”
There are the shops who’ve been ditching plastic wrapping, the hotels who’ve cut down on food waste in all sorts of imaginative ways, the restaurants who source locally-grown food and the businesses who’ve seen working from home as a way to reduce the daily commune of being stuck in traffic.
There are the local groups which are sharing skills on making, mending and repairing, as over the last year we have learnt to appreciate a little more of what we have, or have turned our hands to some DIY, or have got creative with some make do and mend.
And there are the families who’ve created ponds in their back gardens, who’ve seen Devon staycations as a way to enjoy what we have in our green and pleasant back yards, or who’ve done a huge amount of work in recycling/reusing/reducing – all of which can be a great deal of fun, as well as feeling that we’re giving to future generations.
“That’s what ‘sustainability’ is all about,” says the VGS chair, “being thoughtful about what we’re doing now, so that our grandchildren can enjoy the fruits of our planet just as we do.”
“So, if there’s anybody who deserves to be recognised as a green champion, just go to the dedicated website and fill in the form.” https://sidmouth-champions.vgsidmouth.co.uk/how-to-nominate
“I’m really looking forward to the autumn, when a panel of judges will determine who gets the award – and a ceremony will do the honour of highlighting the good deeds done.”