Taking top prize and the Jenkins Marr Shield in the category for community newsletters in Moray was The Fochaberian; while the runner-up and winner of 'The Northern Scot' Shield was The Rothesian.In the category for community newsletters in the area of the Cairngorm National Park, the Glenlivet and Inveravon entry, Thistledown, took first place and the Cairngorm National Park Shield; with second-placed Nethy Bridge collecting the Cairngorm National Park Trophy.

It was a good night for Nethy Bridge - the village also won the category for best community website, with Portknockie runner-up.Both received trophies sponsored by rabIT Solutions, Forres.In the special interest newsletter group, Forres Soccer Sevens came first and received the Groverprint Trophy, sponsored by the Newtonmore company, Groverprint and Design.
Moray Carers News (The Princess Royal Trust) was placed second and handed 'The Northern Scot' Trophy.

The award scheme was launched this year by Moray Council in conjunction with Moray Action for Communities (MAC) and 'The Northern Scot', to acknowledge not just the expertise in producing and managing community information media, but also their influence on the communities they serve.Project manager Bill Bailey, leader of the Touler Training Group, said that they had anticipated receiving around a dozen entries, but were amazed and delighted to get almost 40. "It was a really pleasant surprise - almost 100% of communities with newsletters participated, " he said.
"The donors of the awards also were only too delighted to be involved. I think this is an indication of the success of the awards, and very good reasons why they must continue next year; they are a good showcase for the work being done in our communities."Teams from Moray and the Cairngorms National Park Authority area were eligible to enter the four award categories, which were judged by 'Scot' editor Pauline Taylor, Patricia Robertson, of the Moray Voluntary Services Organisation; Karen Archer, press officer, Cairngorms National Park Authority; Howie Firth, consultant and promoter; and Bruce Wares, of the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations, who is editor of the website Rural Gateways.Said Mrs Taylor: "I sincerely believe that local newspapers have a very important part to play in society: in highlighting local concerns, reporting on local events and campaigning on local issues.
"But we can't be everywhere, can't cover everything; that is why the community newsletter has come to be so important and why, ideally, every community should have one. "It has, if you like, replaced the parish pump as a method of passing news around the village. It is crucial to community life and local identity."

Mrs Taylor said that the standard of entries had been extremely high, with the size of a community no indication as to the size and professionalism of the newsletter produced.But presentation had only been a small part of the equation: the judges looked at the contents; the range of issues covered; the wealth of contributions from the community; and, most important of all, evidence that a newsletter was providing a valuable service to its community or target group.

"Without exception, all the entries could demonstrate their worth, " she said. "But although only a handful of communities can go home with trophies, all those taking part can count themselves winners."

Unfortunately this Newsletter did not win the accolade of Community Newsletter of the year this time - However I received a fine-framed certificate for taking part. Sandra and I both thoughly enjoyed the meal by the way.19/05/2006 

Also the Community Web site run by David Bremner also received a certificate for best effort hopefully next year we will achieve a better result.
 
Jerry