Village of the Year 2011

Entries were slightly down on 2010 and whilst it was encouraging to welcome new villages it is perplexing to find once again that some successful villages winners do not attempt to defend their title. The organisers would welcome any feedback as to why this is so and any suggestions as to how more communities can be encouraged to participate.

This year we lost one of our stalwarts Tom Collinson who sadly died. Two new judges have come forward but there is still room for more.

In the large village category the competition was very close a few points covering Alveston, Hanham Abbots, Timsbury and Wrington, but it is Alveston that has held on to its title and the Wills Cup. We give guidance when we issue the invitations and every year we stress aspects where many lose points. One which occurs again and again is the MAP and it is true to say that more attention to this could have led to a different result.

The three smaller villages of Chew Stoke, Kenn and Old Down were in the final assessment for the overall title but it is the North Somerset District winner that will hold the statuesque Armstrong Cup for 2011.

The presentations of the cheques, certificates, plaques and cups are taking place as, where and when the individual villages choose. Last year we attended scheduled parish meetings, special celebrations, a primary school and the lighting ceremony of a Christmas tree.

Chew Stoke, Bath and North East Somerset district winners in the Small Village category, received their certificate on 2nd November 2011. Ali Cunningham (left), Chairman of Chew Stoke Parish Council, receives here a framed certificate from Avonside CPRE Chair Georgie Bigg.

The full results are:–

Overall Winners

(Plaque, framed certificate and cup)

District Winners

(framed certificate and cheque for £50)

Bath and North East Somerset

North Somerset

South Gloucestershire

The winners of the 2010 competition can be found on our Village of the Year 2010 page