Best Village Competition: 1999

When it was announced at the Village of the Year Award event at Hunsbury in October 1999 that Helmdon was the overall Northampshire Winner I was not only extremely pleased but even more extremely surprised. Having won in 1996, I didn’t think we could do it again in such a short time.

So why Helmdon? We are not the prettiest village in Northamptonshire. This county is blessed with many charming villages that would look good on any picture calendar. Helmdon looks pleasant but it is not even a conservation area as far as the planners are concerned.

Helmdon can not be the tidiest village to the County. Walking round the village it is obvious we are not competely litter free, although we did win the top award from South Northamptonshire Council in last year’s Operation Spring Clean competition.

So why Helmdon? It can only be because of the very strong and supportive community spirit we have in the village. There is a very good mix of “old” and “new” villagers who all enjoy the varied groups and clubs. Most people get involved in one way or another organising and supporting the many acitivites and events throughout the year. The only complaint that I have heard is that there are not enough days in a month to organise acitivities that do not clash with others.

One of the Judges said “Helmdon has many varied activities and it sounds a very nice village to live in”. Well she was right; it is really good to live in such a fine community.

Terry Glassett