‘The accent is on community...’
A COMPETITION to find Staffordshire’s Best Kept Village is returning to our streets again after a two year break due to Covid-19.
The Best Kept Village Community Competition is back with a new focus on the community aspect of village life.
In 2020 the competition was cancelled for the first time in its history due to lockdown. Then in 2021 the competition operated virtually for the first time in its 66-year history proving how important it is to communities across the county.
This year there will be new children’s events and a special competition to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Sponsored by Richard Winterton Auctioneers and managed by The Community Foundation for Staffordshire, competition judges are as usual expecting another close competition.
Many communities use the BKVC as the perfect opportunity to improve the overall outlook of their village, maintaining their efforts throughout the year, leading to a sustainable and longer-term boost to the local community.
But for 2022 there will be a significant focus on the community aspect of village life. Communities will be able to gain additional points by sharing their stories of friendship, inclusivity, cohesion and of course community spirit.
For the younger generation there are three special competitions: a Children’s Poster and a Poetry and Prose competition for five–11year-olds. Also, a photography for 11-17-year-olds and to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, “The Spirit of BKVC” encourages villagers to use paintings, sketches, photographs, or a combination of all three, to showcase their community.
Jo Cooper, from the Community Foundation for Staffordshire, said: “We are so excited to run the Best Kept Village Community Competition once again and the introduction of new competitions and points available show what a perfect platform BKVC is to showcase and celebrate our wonderful Staffordshire communities.”
She added: “It’s thought parish councils lead in entering the competition, but in many cases, local groups are formed by residents, and I’d encourage this.
“The judges are dedicated volunteers who spend hours touring the villages
We’re so excited to run the BKVC once again after the two year break due to Covid-19
Jo Cooper
and for them it’s not about finding the most beautiful, picturesque village.
“The winners are varied and diverse and the most successful communities are often those that achieve the greatest involvement and community spirit.”
Richard Winterton, county sponsor of the competition, said: “After 2020’s cancellation and last year’s virtual event, I know both the BKVC judges are looking forward to visiting the villages and entrants are bursting to showcase their communities and we are thrilled to be involved as sponsors of this special competition.”
Teams of judges will visit each village in the first round in May and again in June. The Large and Small Villages with the highest marks will go forward to the Area Finals in July.
The Best Large and the Best Small Village in each area (based on the aggregated marks for June, July, and the Area Finals) will then go forward to the County Finals, which will be judged in late July.
■ For more information and entry forms visit the new BKVC website.