Search for Dorset's best kept village is on (From Dorset Echo)
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Search for Dorset's best kept village is on
4:50pm Monday 13th February 2012 in News By Martin Lea
Past and present organisers and judges from the last 25 years of the villages competition cut the 25th anniversary cake at last year’s ceremony at Frampton village hall Buy this photo »
VILLAGERS will be ensuring the grass is cut on the green and the churchyard stays clean as the search begins to find Dorset’s Best Kept Village.
Almost 50 communities took part in the Dorset Echo-backed contest last year and it is hoped more will support it in 2012, the 26th year of the competition.
It’s not just about how villages look – it also rewards the efforts of residents who work together.
Entry packs are being sent out inviting villages to enter through the parish council, village hall committee or other active community group.
Competition organiser from Dorset Community Action, Rita Burden, said: “We want to encourage as many villages as possible to take part this year.
“Ongoing maintenance of the village hall, play area, churchyard and regular litter picks are very important, but it is not just about how the village looks.
“It is also about how active the village is – how it builds up a sense of community spirit and addresses the needs of its residents, especially the more vulnerable ones.”
Pimperne near Blandford won best large village last year and Tarrant Monkton just a couple of miles away was triumphant in the small village category. Alton Pancras won the hamlet award for the second year running and with it a cheque for £150.
The winners said that it was a tribute to the dedicated band of volunteers who took pride in their communities.
The Best Kept Village is the main part of the Dorset Best Village Competition, which is organised by Dorset Community Action for the 26th year.
There are also awards for individuals, villages running community projects and green initiatives.
Magna Housing Association has agreed to be the main sponsor for the third year running.
The group’s chairman Ian Bullock said: “Building communities is central to what we do.
“Everyone who takes part in this competition will help to make their village a great place to live and that, in turn, helps build strong communities.”
As well as the Dorset Echo, additional sponsorship comes from the county council and four district councils, Dorset Magazine, and Blackmore Vale Magazine, along with food producers Clipper Tea, Fudges Biscuits, Honeybuns, Craig’s Dairies, Denhay Farms and Helen Furness Catering.
The deadline for entries is Friday, March 30 and judging will take place between April and June.
A presentation evening will take place in September.
To enter call 01305 216407 or visit dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk.
