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Best Village Competition: 2009

2009

Helmdon has, yet again, been voted second in the best medium sized village in the 2009 Calor Village of the Year for Northamptonshire competition.

The full results of the competition are as follows, with the judges’ marks and comments underneath.

Overall competition Winner Syresham
Runner up Middleton Cheney
Third Helmdon
Category – small villages Winner Clipston
Runner up East Carlton
Highly commended Castle Ashby
Category – medium villages Winner Syresham
Runner up Helmdon
Highly commended Spratton
Category – large villages Winner Middleton Cheney
Runner up Crick
Highly commended Silverstone
Category – newcomer’s cup Winner Spratton
Runner up Harlestone

Also presented was the massive Hedgehog Trophy to the winners of the Churchyard competition run by the Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust. This year there was a tie for first place between the villages of Newton Bromswold and Bozeat.

The judges’ comments for Helmdon were:

Section Remarks Feedback & possible actions
Village Life The villagers of Helmdon are rightly proud of their village as evidenced by the number of villagers who came to meet the judges and talk about all the positives that Helmdon has to offer. There were representatives from at least twelve different organisations. Helmdon is a very modern and forward looking village. There are two regularly published magazines and three notice boards that are regularly updated. Villagers regularly make use of e-mail for keeping in touch and publicising meetings.
Community Life Everyone’s needs are ably met, with particular emphasis on the pre-school and older members of the community. The peripatetic Post Office is a wonderful feature of the village and could act as a model for the nation. Helmdon are keeping their meeting rooms up to a high standards, but are still looking to improve. Only the sports facilities are waiting their turn at modernisation. This is in the pipeline, as there is much local fund raising.
Business Local businesses are very supportive, with particular help from the fruit and vegetable merchant, the coach company and the village shop. More details regarding the work available in the village would have been helpful.
Young People The designated recreation area, with new equipment, is shared by the school and the public and is a clever use of facilities. The pre-school children are well catered for, as are Year 5 and upwards with the “CKERS” group. There does not seem to be much in the way of socialising events for teenagers. Young people who do not attend church might not be so well catered for – perhaps sharing activities/outings/disco with neighbouring villages?
Older People Fellowship Club provides lunches and friendship to older people, with members all watching for the vulnerable. The walking group is well supported by local people. The church is such an example to others, making the building so adaptable is a major strength. Pity there is not a housing scheme specifically for older people to help them remain in their own community. The visiting of residents in care homes out of the village is helpful in keeping them included.
Environment Commendable efforts in environmental issues starting with the young and working all through the community. the gardening club is for communal areas, not just private gardens. Ditches have been cleared out to stop the likelihood of the village flooding. As the main culprits for litter are visitors in the nearby lay-by, perhaps the installation of litter bins might help.
IT Better than last year. Shows a dynamic community in action keeping up with the Jones.
Summary The well completed application form was followed by an enjoyable visit by the judges. All sections of the community are well catered for, except perhaps teenagers. All clubs and societies welcome everyone. We believe this village will flourish, with so many willing, hardworking and helpful villagers.

For further information on the county competition, please contact Northamptonshire ACRE by telephoning [phone number removed]

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 2008
• Northamptonshire ACRE

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Researched and written by Helmdon Local History Group volunteers. We do our best, but we can sometimes get things wrong. Corrections and additions are welcome.