Best Kept Medium Village in Wiltshire
BEST KEPT VILLAGE
Biddestonians were delighted to be awarded the Shield for the best kept medium village in Wiltshire at a ceremony on the Green on Sunday morning, 4th October. Shields are presented each year to winning villages in three different categories, small, medium and large by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), and inspectors visit the villages anonymously during the preceding months.
About fifty people assembled to watch the event, villagers and members of CPRE,
and were welcomed by Mr.G. McDonic, Chairman of the Wiltshire Branch, who complimented the village on its tidiness and general appearance – a reflection of the efforts of many villagers involved in several different aspects of village up-keep.
The Shield was then unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mr.J Bush, OBE-President of the Wiltshire Branch CPRE. The Wiltshire County Council plaque was presented by Brigadier R Hall, Chairman of Wiltshire County Council to Mr.Rodney Mansell who maintains public places in the village. Mr.Bush presented a framed CPRE certificate to Mrs.Rosie Harris who maintains the Manor and public gardens. Mr.McDonic presented prize money to Mrs.Carolyn Madley who has organised the Village Fete, most successfully, for several years. Mrs.A Henshaw, Chairman North Wilts Group CPRE presented a framed CPRE certificate to Mr.Tim Smith, Chairman of Biddestone Parish Council. Councillor Jane Scott, Leader of Wiltshire Council presented a framed Calor Certificate for the Best Kept Village Competition to Mr.David Taylor who maintains the grassed areas in the village.
A vote of thanks was given by Mr.Smith,who had organised the village’s campaign, in which he congratulated all who had been involved in maintaining the high standard of care for the village. The various areas of responsibility of the recipients of the awards demonstrated the community effort which had achieved the Best Kept Village award. He also mentioned the local W.I. who had prompted the first attempt (although unsuccessfully).
After the presentations, refreshments were served in the White Horse pub on The Green.
M.B.
