Published On: June 8, 2023

The award winners will be announced at the ATCM Summer School on 21st June

For Immediate Release

8 JUNE 2023: The Dorking Town Partnership has been shortlisted for the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) Best Social and Community Contribution Scheme.

The TCMI Awards have always been purpose driven. In addition to recognising the excellent work of ATCM’s members, they also serve to support the dissemination of best practice to other towns and strengthen ATCM’s ability to undertake advocacy with the UK, Irish, Scottish and Welsh Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Dorking BID has been shortlisted for the the best scheme which does not carry a direct profit motive for the local business community but instead is about supporting a community in some way, possibly working with the third sector, charities or a range of other partners.

Dorking embraced and shared ‘The Big Help Out’ message and empowered non-profits and charities alongside BID levy payers. The aim was to provide businesses and community partners with a space and a voice in one setting, to generate interest in volunteering and also galvanise locals and visitors to join in.

In addition to raising footfall and the profile of the town, the BID saw this as an opportunity to feature what a brilliant place Dorking is to live, visit and enjoy, and also satisfy ‘The Big Help Out’ message.

Together with over 40 community partners, the BID hosted:

  • A DorKing Coronation Window Art Trail featuring the artwork of Samantha Temple Milnes and supported by the Dorking LoyalFreeApp, with a chance to win special prize hampers sponsored by Waitrose.
  • An open air art exhibition featuring the winners of the BID community artwork competition, where 29 artists submitted their artwork, where five winners were selected by 1750 votes cast by the public
  • ‘The Big Help Out’ Volunteer Village and sustainable market with farm to table goods, art and five live musical acts.
  • Kids entertainment to include: face painting, a forest school, henna art painting and a youth dance troupe – as well as ‘selfies with the Royals and corgis’.
  • A Community Spirit awards ceremony celebrating a sustainability champion, a volunteer of the year, and a high street business hero.
  • A Dorking Museum exhibition at the Dorking Library.
  • Taster sessions every half hour hosted by the Dorking Sports Centre.

Results included:

Here are the top line results:

  • Approximately 5,000 attendees
  • 85+ Nominations for Community Spirit Awards with 3 winners
  • 40+ Volunteer Village and Sustainability Market Vendors
  • 29 artist submissions, with 1750 public votes to select 5 winners
  • 8 musical acts and entertainers
  • 12 radio interviews
  • 7 articles in the press
  • 3 media placements at the railway stations
  • 1 e-magazine / official programme that was downloaded 4,700 times, with 8,800 impressions and 125,000 link impressions
  • 1 digital art trail by a local artist, in collaboration with LoyalFreeApp and Waitrose and Partners
  • 1 letter of congratulations from the Royal Household (Principal Private Secretary to The King and The Queen Consort)

The BID installed the art competition winners’ artwork on lamp post banners, a large West Street banner, and on posters in shops around town, alongside bunting and flags that were featured on the Dorking high street by local businesses. 

This event was an opportunity to collaborate with the people of Dorking: the business community, volunteer organisations, educational partners and broader audience, and shine a light on all that Dorking has to offer.

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Notes to Editors

Interviews and images are available on request. For more information, please contact Kathy Kyle at kathy@dorkingtownpartnership.co.uk or 07377 096 892.

About the Dorking Town Centre Partnership

The Business Improvement District (BID) for Dorking is committed to raising the profile of Dorking and bringing economic prosperity to the town. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram at @HelloDorking. Tag us to be featured at #HelloDorking.

Learn more about the Dorking BID at https://linktr.ee/hellodorking 

Social Media: @hellodorking

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