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Graham Wall and Dudley Davies holding the award. On the left is Jonathon Porritt and on the right is Graham Kean representing EC Harris, award sponsor
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Erith Yacht Club is a Lasting Legacy!
Erith Yacht Club and the London Borough of Bexley are celebrating, having
won the 'Creating a Lasting Legacy Award' at the prestigious Sustainable Communities
Awards ceremony. The event was held at the London Grosvenor Hotel on Monday 25
February.
Dudley Davies from EYC and Steve Wall from the London Borough of Bexley received
the accolade from Jonathon Porritt, Programme Director of Forum for the Future
and Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission. The judges said: "The
winner was a surprise initiative and a unique scheme that demonstrated innovation,
social inclusion and sustainability in ways that will act as a catalyst for regeneration
of the Thames Gateway. This fully funded scheme will build on the 2012 Olympic
Games and provide a powerful legacy for the whole community now and in the future."
Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr
Ian Clement said: "I am
over the moon that our successful partnership with Erith Yacht Club has been
recognised by such an influential body. This award shows that Bexley provides
first class sporting facilities for people of all ages and abilities, not just
now but for generations to come."
EYC secured £2.3m last year from the Department of Communities and Local
Government's Sustainable Communities Fund after the Council supported its bid.
The money will go to help provide a purpose-built clubhouse, fund the expansion
of its education and training programme, more sailing courses, competitions and
events. It will accommodate school and youth groups and cater for people with
disabilities.
'Communities and Local Government' is working to create thriving, vibrant
sustainable communities that will improve everyone's quality of life. A sustainable
community is deemed a place where people want to live and work now and in the
future.
The awards category of 'Creating a Lasting Legacy' was designed to encourage
local councils and their partners to seize opportunities and to spread good practice
across the country. The judges were looking for "ambitious but realistic
plans to build a lasting legacy in the community."
The award will soon be on display in the current clubhouse in Erith, an old
Norwegian car ferry called Folgefonn. EYC will also be using the 'Winners Logo'
on all its publicity for the next 12 months.
