WEST Devon residents will be among the prize winners at a special awards ceremony being hosted by Dartmoor National Park Authority today (Thursday). The 2006 winners of the DNPA's biennial Edward Morshead Awards were announced on Tuesday. The Awards are made in recognition of significant contributions to National Park purposes, for example, the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor, and the promotion of the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities. The Edward Morshead Award first prize goes to David Norrish for the high quality restoration of the late medieval farmhouse, Addislade, Dean Prior, near Buckfastleigh. Until recently Addislade was listed as a 'building at risk' due to the very poor condition of its roof. David Norrish has continued to farm the land at Addislade while at the same time turning his practical skills and strength to a major building repair project to rescue the farmhouse. With grant aid from English Heritage and Dartmoor National Park Authority, David Norrish saved the house from what was rapidly becoming a near hopeless situation. Second prize has been awarded to Proper Job Ltd in Chagford, for promoting and practising the principles of re-use, repair and recycle, fair trade and healthy eating. Third prize is awarded to Colin Abel, who farms near Peter Tavy, for work on the Forest and Commons of Dartmoor and on behalf of the hill farm community. And this year a special award is presented to John Hodge of Okehampton, in recognition of outstanding service as chairman of the Dartmoor Commoners' Council 1986 – 2004. Certificates of High Commendation, in recognition of meritorious contributions to the purposes of the National Park, will also be presented to MED Theatre, a Manaton based theatre company, for the Wild Nights — Young Company Project; Charlotte Faulkner of Poundsgate, for tireless work promoting the Dartmoor Hill Pony; Elizabeth Newbolt-Young, of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, for outstanding work preserving the traditional Dartmoor Pony and the Church House, South Tawton, for the high quality community restoration of the Church House, South Tawton. In coming to their decisions the judges said they were impressed by the wide range of activities carried out by individuals, groups and organisations, all for the benefit of Dartmoor. They acknowledged the contribution and achievements of all the entries nominated for the Award. The prizes will be presented this evening at the DNPA headquarters at Bovey Tracey by Sue Morshead.
