Winners of the first ever NFAFA Award Scheme were presented with their certificates at a ceremony on February 22nd.   The Awards recognise New Forest businesses and service providers who have shown their commitment to making their premises welcoming and accessible to everyone.  Members of the public were asked to make nominations in the autumn of 2009.

NFAFA, who were kindly sponsored by New Forest District Council, NFDC, held the presentation evening in the council chamber at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst.  Certificates were presented by Cllr Les Puttock, Chairman of the NFDC;  Cllr Mrs Maureen Holding, NFDC portfolio holder for employment, health and well-being; and Mrs Olive Collins, Chairman of New Forest Access For All.

It was a fitting occasion for Olly’s last duty as chairman of NFAFA.   She has now moved to Ireland with her husband Lionel.

There were four categories of award and one overall winner:

1.  Recreation – winner was Blashford Lakes nature reserve, near Ringwood.

2.  Community facilities – winner was the Open Door Project at Lymington United Reformed Church; Ringwood library and the Fenwick 2 Health and Well-being  Centre at Lyndhurst were highly commended.

3.  Transport – winner was Wightlink Ferries from Lymington to Yarmouth.

4.  Food and retail – winner was The Potting Shed at Redcliffe Garden Centre;   
Ringwood Fish Bar and the Camellia restaurant at Everton Garden Centre were both highly commended.

The overall winner was Blashford Lakes nature reserve.

All the finalists received a certificate and a sticker to display at their premises in recognition of their efforts.

The ceremony was followed by a finger buffet.

Cllr Puttock said: “The New Forest Access For All awards ceremony recognises the understanding and commitment of local organisations to making their premises accessible to people of all abilities.  All the finalists deserve a pat on the back for making life easier for those with disabilities to get around.”

Cllr Mrs Holding added:   “I hope this successful awards scheme will be the first of many to recognise local efforts in giving access to all.  Hopefully this will get the ball rolling to encourage more local organisations to participate in the scheme and make their premises more user-friendly.

Everyone is encouraged to look out for the nomination forms in 2010 and to nominate a building in their area.”

Photo shows: The finalists and organisers at the New Forest Access For All awards ceremony at Lyndhurst, from left: Mrs Olive Collins, John Matthews from Wightlink Ferries, Cllr Les Puttock, Cllr Mrs Maureen Holding, Sandra Jackson from Lymington URC Open Door Project, Bob Chapman from Blashford Lakes and Chris Warman from The Potting Shed Tea Rooms.

Photo shows: Award winners, councillors and NFAFA members.