Our support for another finalist for the Rural Business Awards continues as the virtual final approaches. The awards event is being held on Thursday 24 February and our representatives will be Molly Dickson and Louise Duffin who will sit on the Rural Business Awards’ judging panel.
The Enbarr Foundation, a non-profit organisation which has put the Deeside community at the centre of its mission to diversify has been shortlisted for both the Best Rural Diversification Project and Best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project categories in the Rural Business Awards after winning the Wales & NI regional final. They will now go head-to-head with other regional winners from across the UK
At Fisher German, we are not only sponsoring this category but the national final itself, to recognise rural initiatives that have gone above and beyond to offer something different to the local community.
The Queensferry-based foundation secured the regional title for its work renovating the Grade II listed John Summers Clock Tower, in Sealand, converting it into a community space for future generations.
The foundation is aiding a number of disadvantaged individuals in the Deeside area and bringing people together intergenerationally, with volunteering opportunities available at the clock tower site. A support network is also in place to tackle safety, skills, loneliness and poverty concerns in Wales.
Not just content with rejuvenating the town clock, the organisation is helping youngsters in Deeside and beyond discover their heritage and culture through a heritage skill centre and training scheme hub.
Looking ahead to the future, The Enbarr Foundation intends to work with its near 300 strong volunteer force and recently created Community Stakeholder Board on a series of new and exciting local projects, including the launch of a community garden.
Vicki Roskams, Engagement Manager at The Enbarr Foundation, said: “We set out to provide local residents with a hub that captures the history, culture and heritage of Deeside and open up areas of education, like technology and labour-based teaching, to future generations in the community. Having this initiative showcased on the national stage is great recognition for the more than two years of hard work given by the community to the unique heritage project. We’re already looking forward to following up on the John Summers Town Clock work with a new wave of activity in Deeside and seeing locals continue to benefit from the opportunities available.”
David Merton, Head of Rural, based at our Ashby office said: “The Enbarr Foundation is a fantastic example of how diversification can have a hugely positive effect on a rural community. The work being done by the team on the John Summers Clock Tower is incredibly inspiring, providing a platform for local people to have direct involvement in something at the heart of their community.”
Enbarr’s fellow category nominees are The Coo Shed in South Ayrshire, Jimmy Birchmore Events Ltd in Warwickshire, Musgrove Willows in Somerset and Nettlecombe Farm on the Isle of Wight.
We’ll be sharing stories from all the regional winners of the Outstanding Rural Diversification Project this month. Follow us on Twitter @fishergerman Facebook and LinkedIn to find out more.
To find out more about our rural property services click here. To find out more about The Enbarr Foundation click here
