Ramsbury receives Best Kept Large Village in Wiltshire 2021 award

Ramsbury won the Best Kept Large Village in Wiltshire 2021 in a competition organised by CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England) and on Sunday September 26 Mrs Sarah Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire and President of CPRE Wiltshire unveiled the standard which the village will display for the next year. Also present were Mike Manson CPRE project manager, Ann Henshaw, Chairman of CPRE Wiltshire, Sir Charles Hobhouse, High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Councillor Stuart Wheeler, Chairman of Wiltshire Council and Mike Hill CEO of Hills Group who sponsor the competition. They presented certificates and plaques to Parish Councillors Diann Barnett and Denise Edwards, and Ria and Kyla Black who had helped with wildflower areas around the village. Ramsbury last won the accolade in 2011.

After the unveiling ceremony, Sheila Glass, Chairman of Ramsbury & Axford Parish Council proposed a vote of thanks to all involved with the competition and the presentation and she also thanked Karen and Mark Rees who rallied the troops to tidy and clean the village, Paul New who grew on all the plants for the village displays, Robert Copp who keeps the green spaces tidy and Coral Westall who stepped up to keep the public loo immaculate.

She then presented bouquets and chocolates to Elaine Flippance and Shirley Pope from Ramsbury Post office, in recognition of their wonderful efforts during the pandemic to ensure that groceries and other goods were available in the village.

The ceremony, in the Square Ramsbury was conducted by Ramsbury’s Town Crier, John Barker.

A beautifully decorated novelty celebration cake donated by BecsBeeBakes and a free cuppa was shared in Ramsbury British Legion by residents who had attended the presentation and decorative tree plaques donated by Helen Lovelock were presented to Ramsbury School and Ramsbury Preschool in recognition of their work in helping to keep the village looking good. Those involved in the ceremony enjoyed a light lunch in the Memorial Hall.