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The presentations for this year’s Campaign to Protect Rural England Wiltshire Best Kept Village Competition took place on Sunday 21st September. Unlike last year where it rained, we had a glorious day and very many villagers turned out at each village to take part in the presentation events.
As usual, in May and June villages had been judged first within each of the four former districts of Wiltshire and in each of the three size categories (Large – population 1000 to 3500; Medium – population 300 to 1000; and Small – population under 300). In the second round in July, the winners in the first round were judged against each other to determine the three Best Kept Villages in Wiltshire for 2025.
The Competition does not seek to find the most picturesque villages but rather the villages that are best cared-for. The judging criteria include, amongst others, the state of roadside hedges and walls, residential gardens, public areas and buildings, footpaths, churchyards, external areas around schools and churches, notice boards, litter and also an indication of community spirit.
The three winning villages were Seend, All Cannings and Swallowcliffe. Swallowcliffe in the South District area was also voted Best Newcomer. All Cannings and Seend have entered before and were pleased to win again. Clearly many people had been involved in both large and small ways, with a collective, community effort that had obviously generated great and justifiable pride in each village’s appearance.
Swallowcliffe
Swallowcliffe only has about 200 residents, but what it lacks in population is made up for in community spirit. There was a huge turnout and Amanda Brockley from the Parish Council thanked everyone for turning up at the presentation and for their hard work and commitment over the last year.
Caroline Dunford, Project Officer for CPRE Wiltshire, welcomed the villagers and the presentation team where Anne Henshaw spoke briefly about the work of CPRE. The Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Sarah Troughton, then pulled away the Union Flag surmounting the standard which had been emplaced outside the old churchyard. Councillor Laura Mayes, Chairman of Wiltshire Council, and Paul Ashman of idverde presented the sponsers plaque. Mr Martin Nye High Sheriff of Wiltshire, then presented the CPRE Wiltshire certificate and Anne Henshaw presented the Best Newcomer Certificate. The MP for Salisbury John Glen said a few words and finally Stephen Banas, Chair of the Parish Council together with Amanda Brockley said some closing words and vote of thanks to villagers and the presentation team.
All Cannings
All Cannings was judged to be the Best Kept Medium Village. The judges felt that the village has an “excellent community spirit” which was evident from the team of volunteers who attended the presentation day. A lovely lunch was provided in the village hall and fun filled time was spent discussing what a beautiful and slightly hidden village All Cannings is, tucked away from the main roads, with great views of the Downs.
Presentation of the plaque was made to Mrs Sarah-Jane Bullock. Clerk to All Cannings parish Council the framed certificates were presented to Cllr Amy Gray, ACPC Chair. The final Certificate was presented by Anne Henshaw Chairman of CPRE to Cllr Kevin Gay & Cllr Julia Deakin
Seend
Seend was judged to be the Best Kept Large Village. One set of Judges said that although Seend has a very busy main road, they saw no litter anywhere and so enjoyed the wild flowers alongside the wall on the edge of the large playing field.
The presentation took place amongst the wild flowers in the meadow on the Lye Field and presentations were made to John Williams, Parish Councillor, Debby Savage, Chair and to Paul Taylor on behalf of Len Murray the Church Warden.
Seend were thrilled to have won this year, the last time was in 2018 and they celebrated with champagne and delicious home made cakes.
Laurence Kitching Award, for the “Winner of Winners”
Urchfont won the Laurence Kitching Award. Urchfont is a repeated winner and won last years LK Award also. In 2023, 2019, 2017 and also 2005 Urchfont won the Best Kept Medium village so they must be doing something right!
In their report on Urchfont the judges felt that “The bus shelter nearby with a selection of children’s welcome to Urchfont is a joy. Makes you smile and want to see more of the village.
The many villagers present were welcomed by Caroline Dunford, Project Officer for CPRE Wiltshire. Dame Sarah Troughton unveiled the BKVC “Winner of Winners” standard with Mrs Pam Moscrop Chair of the Parish Council. Cllr Laura Mayes, Chairman of Wiltshire Council, and Paul Ashman from idverde then presented the winning plaque and The High Sheriff of Wiltshire Mr Martin Nye then presented to a representative of the Rights of Way Group Paul Melhuish. a memorial tree on behalf of Miss Carly Paoli, CPRE Wiltshire’s Countryside Ambassador, who had donated the tree.
Miss Paoli said, “ I have been involved with CPRE for more than 5 years and it is an association that I am very invested in. I live in Wiltshire, a beautiful county that embodies the ethos behind the organisation. Each year I have presented a tree; a plant that by its very nature plays a vital ecological role but also means so much to all of us emotionally and spiritually. This year I donated a fruit tree and I look forward to visiting it and seeing its produce that again illustrates the wonderful work of CPRE.”
Pam Moscrop then gave a vote of thanks to all those present and to the many villagers who had worked hard over the past year to keep the village well presented.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Best Kept Village competition, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part. The dedication and pride each of you takes in your local community is truly inspiring.
“If you’re still looking for ways to make a positive impact locally, we’re here to support you. Whether it’s organising a litter pick, sweeping paths, or taking on other small but meaningful tasks, every effort helps keep your local community looking its best. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/litter or contact our idverde Community Engagement Manager at wiltshirehelpdesk@idverde.co.uk.”
Paul Ashman, Community Engagement Manager, idverde added “It was a glorious sunny day to celebrate the winners of this year’s Wiltshire Best Kept Village Competition. Being part of the presentations and seeing the pride and joy in each community was truly uplifting. These villages exemplify what can be achieved when people come together with a shared passion for their local environment. Congratulations to all involved, your dedication continues to inspire.”
