THE EVENT: Launch of the 2008/9 Fenland Building Design awards, co promoted by Fenland District Council and the Cambs Times/Wisbech Standard. WHERE AND WHEN? Last Friday at Woodhouse Farm Park, Friday Bridge. WHY THERE? This is the home- and business- o

THE EVENT: Launch of the 2008/9 Fenland Building Design awards, co promoted by Fenland District Council and the Cambs Times/Wisbech Standard.

WHERE AND WHEN? Last Friday at Woodhouse Farm Park, Friday Bridge.

WHY THERE? This is the home- and business- of Sam and Kim Flint.

The couple's enterprising re-modelling of the farm and derelict buildings into a vibrant new centre for both old and young were overall winners of this year's award.

SO WHAT ARE THE AWARDS? They have been created to recognise the efforts made by owners, designers and builders to improve the standard of design and construction within Fenland.

WHO ATTENDED? Apart from this year's winners, of course, there were representatives from the council, from the agents' forum who support the award, from builders and, of course, from this newspaper.

HOW MANY CATEGORIES ARE THERE? This year there will be 14 awards categories -one more than the inaugural awards- and they range from heritage-construction or new build, through to new homes, conversions, commercial projects, and also for street scene- the best shop front or advertisement.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW? Plenty, because there is also a community award for a scheme adjudged to be for the benefit of the community.

There's also the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard special award for the scheme judged best overall design and quality.

CAN ANYONE ENTER? Indeed they can, and you can nominate any building you like, irrespective of whether you designed, built or own the property. It is people's opinions that matter.

HOW DO I ENTER? Entry forms can be obtained from the websites of both newspapers and from the council, or pick them up at any one-stop shop or the Cambs Times office. Call 01354 652621 or email john.elworthy@archant.co.uk and we'll send you one.

CLOSING DATE? January 16, 2009.

AND DO THE AWARDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? "Definitely" says Kim Flint, this year's overall winner. "It was marvellous recognition of the support and help we received from so many people and it was a wonderful evening at the awards ceremony."

Councillor Alan Melton, Portfolio Holder for Open for Business, said: "These awards are a showcase for the best that Fenland has to offer."

Pictured:

Left to right: Shanna Penney planning officer and member the organisation team for the awards this years, Kathryn Brand planning officer and member the organisation team for the awards this years, Kim Flint, John Elworthy, editor of Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard, Sam Flint at the back hidden, councillor Alan Melton cabinet member for Open for Business Development and Enterprise, Ken Elener hiding at the back, agent who for Wood House Farm, Nigel Brown, business and community planning manager, Nick Seaton, Building Control Manager, Ted Brand, Brand Associates architect and winner of several awards at lasts years event.