The Green Valley Centre community green space in Bryncynon is urging Welsh people to vote for them to win the title of the UK’s Best Environment Project in The National Lottery Awards 2011.
The Green Valley Centre is Wales’ only finalist competing in The National Lottery Awards, the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects, and it is asking for your votes.
The Green Valley Centre, run by Bryncynon Strategy, took derelict land and turned it into a community oasis. The four-and-a-half-acre green space offers local people a chance to get fit with gardening, to enjoy wildlife, to eat healthily and to pick up new skills. This haven offers lifelong learning and recreation linked to nature, conservation and sustainable living. A two-acre horticultural area provides food boxes of healthy, affordable and locally grown food to people on low incomes. The local Welsh school has its own garden. Vulnerable young people learn practical horticultural skills, boosting their confidence and their chances of employment. The river area has been transformed from a dumping ground to a beauty spot with otters and kingfishers.
Michelle Lenton-Johnson from The Green Valley Centre says: “We are absolutely delighted to have made it to the final of The National Lottery Awards. It’s great to have the opportunity to show everyone who has ever played the Lottery the real difference their money has made to our project. We’re not just growing plants, we’re growing people. We hope that the local community will now vote for us to win so that our staff, volunteers and everyone involved in the project receive the recognition they deserve.”
This year’s National Lottery Awards are supported by Lottery draw show host, Myleene Klass. She says: “The National Lottery Awards recognise the immense impact that Lottery-funded projects have on people and communities across the UK. Lottery players raise a massive £28 million a week for Good Causes – that’s almost £3,000 every minute. This funds something for everyone from big projects like museums and art galleries, to helping local sport, heritage and community groups.
“These finalists showcase the selfless volunteers and unsung heroes who are using Lottery funding to improve the lives of others. This is your final chance to pay tribute to them by voting for your favourite project. Please get behind your local project and secure them national recognition – every vote counts!”
The Green Valley Centre needs the public’s backing to beat just two other finalists – Brighter Future Workshop in West Lancashire and Open Air Laboratories Network (OPAL), which operates nationwide – and win the Best Environment Project category.
There are seven categories in the Awards, which reflect the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, sport, heritage, voluntary/charity, environment, health (in association with iVillage.co.uk) and education (in association with Best magazine). There will be one winner in each category which will receive national recognition at a star-studded event later this year, broadcast on BBC One, as well as a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project.
Public voting for the final ends at midday on 26 September. The public can vote for The Green Valley Centre by calling 0844 836 9692 or going online to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards.
