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Missed Out - Again! - posted 05 November 2010
Peter Burns collecting the runners up certificate.
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Despite everyone's best efforts Helmdon was, once again, pipped to the post by neighbours and rivals Syresham in the medium sized village category of the Northamptonshire Best Village competition. Syresham went on to scoop the overall title, with Helmdon in third overall behind Middleton Cheney.
Helmdon can at least boast consistency, having been placed second in the medium villages category in each of the last three years. Perhaps 2011 will be the year to go one better!
Chairman of Helmdon Parish Council, Councillor Peter Burns collected the runners-up certificate on behalf of the village.
Many congratulations to Syresham and all the other villages that took part in the competition - Helmdon will be back again next year!
Judge's Comments
| Overall competition |
Winner |
Syresham |
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Runner up |
Middleton Cheney |
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Third |
Helmdon |
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| Category - small villages |
Winner |
Harlestone |
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Runner up |
Clipston |
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Highly commended |
Eydon |
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| Category - medium villages |
Winner |
Syresham |
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Runner up |
Helmdon |
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Highly commended |
Brigstock |
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| Category - large villages |
Winner |
Middleton Cheney |
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Runner up |
Silverstone |
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Highly commended |
Crick |
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| Category - newcomer's cup |
Winner |
Collyweston |
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Runner up |
Eydon |
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Highly commended |
Farthinghoe |
Also presented was the massive Hedgehog Trophy to the winners of the Churchyard competition run by the Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust. This year the winner was Stoke Doyle.
The judges' comments for Helmdon were:
Marks awarded: 86% |
| Section |
Feedback & possible actions |
| Village Life |
Judges were full of admiration for Helmdon life in every sense. The high quality magazine (published twice yearly) is very full, informative and more than just a newsletter. This is complemented by the notice boards and daily updates on the widely used village website. Village life is totally vibrant, with social and cultural events for all. The church is a wonderful asset in every sense. Village development is reviewed, planned, implemented and developed by enthusiastic villagers of all ages. Junior sports teams could be developed by the sports club, to complement the adult teams in using the beautifully maintained grounds. |
| Community Life |
A wonderful sense of community is awarded the exceptionally high mark. The application form was extended by (too many to record) observed examples from every section of the community: voluntarily, fund raising, caring and supporting, of the 28 societies and groups, from the 50 year old WEA to the new B&B development. An enthusiastic visitor had returned to voice her love of the village. When an interest is voiced a group of like minded villagers respond and develop the new activity e.g. Young Husbands and the Bridge Players drama group. |
| Business |
A comprehensive list of village businesses was listed and described, including a growing trend of home-based concerns and the Parish Council and villagers use their expertise. Fund raising is extensive and charitable with allocation to all sections of the community. The twice-weekly visiting Post Office has become a social model that other villages could study. The historic and geographical assets of the village are well presented to attract an increasing number of visitors. |
| Young People |
A broad range of provision for all young people is provided with continual development and improvement, with plans for a new building under way. Examples included Parents and Tots, Acorns Preschool, Breakfast Club, child-friendly Church and Guides. The fortnightly Youth Club, during term time only, could be increased and holiday activities could be planned. The school and community make good use of the beautiful shared playing field and the planned pre-school building will be well sited to integrate too. |
| Older People |
The application form described well-identified provision and the judges saw evidence in several spontaneous incidents of informal support networks. Committee members have identified areas of the village to monitor, which impressed us immensely. A wide range of schemes is provided from the monthly lunches, to the Fellowship and Post Office sessions. There is no specific housing for older people, but they participate along with all villagers in the life of the village. |
| Environment |
Some excellent examples of awareness of, and care for, the environment were observed. From the well presented footpath booklets, trained walk leaders, improved stiles and tracks to regular walks, including ‘health walks’ for the less mobile. The school has an allotment and the war memorial surround is attractively planted. The recently formed gardening group has already got 40 members, demonstrating the enthusiasm of the villagers. A proposed wind farm development close by is being examined in an open manner with wide consultation of all interests. |
| IT |
The judges found that Information technology is a fundamental part of village communication and during our discussions all the participants as well as the councillor demonstrated its key role. The web site complements the magazine and is updated daily (Our visit was described on the website by 6pm the same day!) Communication is frequently and instantly by email. |
| Your village |
A wonderful village that the judges felt privileged to visit. We were welcomed by a large group of villagers who all spoke with pride on their topics. The level of friendship and cooperation was evident in every venue we visited, most especially the church/churchyard, the reading room and the school. The Parish Council should approach the updating of the Parish Plan with pride. This final comment sums up very well the village philosophy and the welcome it offers visitors. |
For further information on the county competition, please contact Northamptonshire ACRE by telephoning 01604 825893
If anyone is interested in Helmdon's participation in the Calor Village of the Year competition please contact any member of the Parish Council.
Links In This Section:
• Village
Of The Year Competition 2009
•
Northamptonshire ACRE
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