Accessible Somerset Awards
Accessible Somerset Awards 2009
In our rural and historical county we have to acknowledge that physical adjustments are not always possible. “Although physical access is a very important part of accessibility, we also want the awards to encompass organisations where staff have provided excellent customer service, again not just for those with physical impairments but also sensory impairments, people with learning difficulties or mental health issues”. Therefore winning an Accessible Somerset Awards does not necessarily mean that it will be accessible to all, but does mean that they have provided a good service to disabled people and that the public wanted this recognised.
The awards ceremony took place on Thursday 3 December to coincide with the International Day of Disabled people. Richard Pitman, Chief Executive of Compass Disability Services, welcomed everyone including the Award winners and the Chairmen of our County and District Councils who presented the Awards. Lucy Wilkins gave us a very interesting talk about the importance of accessibility, food for thought for our businesses and service providers as Lucy has a sensory impairment rather than a physical disability yet is still passionate about access. Thanks very much to Lucy for coming along and sharing her views with us.
Awards were made in each District in most categories; unfortunately we did not receive nominations for accommodation providers in 4 of the Districts. The categories were: Accommodation, A Place to Eat, Service and Recreation. We also presented awards to an Overall County Winner and a County Winner nominated by a young person.
Accessible Somerset Awards 2009 District Winners are as follows:
Mendip
Service winner: Mendip Housing
A Place to Eat winner: Peppers Delicatessen and Café in Shepton Mallet
Sedgemoor
Recreation winner: Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater
Service winner: Seafoods Fishmongers, Burnham on Sea
A Place to Eat winner: Sanders Garden World, Highbridge
South Somerset
Service winner: The Co-operative, Chard
A Place to Eat winner: The Tippling Philosopher, Milborne Port
Taunton Deane
Recreation winner: Vivary Park, Taunton
Service winner: Nicholas Hair Fashions, Taunton
A Place to Eat winner: The Rose and Crown Inn, Stoke St Gregory
West Somerset
Accommodation winner: Primrose Hill Holidays, Blue Anchor
Service winner: Accessible Transport West Somerset (ATWEST) based in Minehead
A Place to Eat winner: Torre Cider Farm, Washford
Congratulations to everyone involved, we hope that all of our winners will display their Accessible Somerset logo with pride and we thank you again for all your nominations!