Entries open for Northamptonshire Village of the Year competition

Rothersthorpe Winner of Small Villages cup and overall 2015 Best Village Competition Third place. Photo shows Rothersthorpe villagers Philip Dickens, Lindsey Moss, Barbara Walsh & Helen Teden receiving the Small Villages cup from David Laing.

Application forms have been sent to all parish councils and village hall committees in the county and the competition, sponsored by Hollowell Funeral Plans, is open to villages with populations up to 6,000.

There are three different categories based on village size and there is a special award for best newcomer to the competition.

The judges are looking for all aspects of village life: community and social activities; local communication; the provision for young people and more senior residents; the involvement of local businesses; sustainability; general tidiness; and the welcome given to visitors.

David Scudamore, Chair of the Competition at Northamptonshire ACRE said, “We have found that most successful villages in the competition get a small group together to help with their application.

“We have found that entry to the competition and the possibility of winning carries a considerable “feel good” effect for the village as a whole.”

The closing date for the competition is Thursday, March 24.

The winners will be announced at the awards evening on Tuesday, July 12, at Northamptonshire ACRE.

For further information regarding the competition in Northamptonshire, please contact Barron Walton on 01327 312950 or via email at [email protected] or David Scudamore on 01604 762230. Details of the 2016 Best Village Competition are also available on the Northamptonshire ACRE website at www.northantsacre.org.uk/projects/best-village-competition/