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Bourne Valley Action Group wins top community award

Bourne Valley Action Group (BVAG) was announced the 2010/11 winner of the John Jay Shield at an awards ceremony at Poole Civic Centre last week. Representatives from the group were presented with the shield and a certificate by Mayor of Poole, Councillor Graham Wilson, in recognition of their contribution to the community in Bourne Valley.

They were nominated by Sylvia Webster, Simon Perry; Alice Wood and Bryan Wood – all from the Rossmore and Alderney Safer Neighbourhood Team – who paid tribute to the group’s energy, passion, commitment and pride in their area.

The Mayor also presented certificates to four runners-up:

• Mary Parsons for her involvement in a number of community groups and organisations in the Hamworthy area, including Branksea Avenue Neighbourhood Watch, Poole Harbour Watch, Friends of Hamworthy Park, Lake Side Residents’ Association and the Hamworthy Safer Neighbourhood Team.
• PC Barry Gosling of the Canford Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team for his commitment to improving the lives of local young people.
• Levi Tuck, who unfortunately could not attend the ceremony, for her work teaching street dance to young people at Bourne Valley Youth Club.
• Bryan Wood for his caring attitude towards victims of anti-social behaviour and his own colleagues.

Tina Ridge, a Director for Dorset Probation Trust and Chair of the Safer Poole Partnership, said: “The quality of nominees for this year’s awards was extremely high and all award winners should be proud of what they have achieved. Poole is a better, safer place thanks to their hard work and commitment.”

Councillor Judy Butt, Portfolio Holder for Public Engagement and Participation, with direct responsibility for Poole communities, Borough of Poole, said: “The sense of pride and achievement at the John Jay Shield awards was palpable. We are so very lucky in Poole to have so many in our community working so hard to keep Poole safe. I was delighted to be part of the event and enjoy the celebrations.”

Since it was set up in May 2010, BVAG has had many successes, including:

• organising family events, such as the Big Lunch, a fun day and a fireworks party which attracted 500 people;
• arranging funding for and supporting the development of a new play area which opened in October;
• Improving the look of the area by replanting 19 road planters, clearing undergrowth, collecting dog waste and arranging for bins to be moved where necessary;
• Providing diversionary activities for young people, including Play Ranger sessions and football coaching sessions, with more than 40 young people taking part.

The John Jay Shield is awarded annually by the Safer Poole Partnership to the individual or group that has contributed the most to improving community safety during the previous year.

By Helen MacBean (Borough of Poole - Strategy Directorate)

Posted: Tuesday 11 October 2011

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