Looking good – Burbage is Wiltshire’s Best Kept Village

Burbage is the fairest of them all… and that’s official. The village has scooped the crown in the Wiltshire Best Kept Village Competition, having come third last year.

And in a close-fought battle, judges from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England awarded Burbage 68 points in the large village category, meaning the village pipped Great Bedwyn and Bromham – with 67 points apiece – to the post.

And a post is just what villagers will be getting as a reward – the 8ft winners’ post with special plaque on the top will be presented to the village by Lord-Lieutenant for Wiltshire, and CPRE Wiltshire president, Sarah Troughton and Michael Hill, chairman of competition sponsor Hills Group, at 12.45pm on Sunday, September 22, and will remain in situ for a year.

John Blake of CPRE Wiltshire said: “Fifty villages throughout the county were tested against the competition criteria which look for tidiness, cleanliness, presentation and village community spirit.

“The parish councils and their volunteers had clearly been hard at work, pushing up the standard and making the judges’ task that much more difficult.”

Judges wrote: “Overall the village was pleasing with well kept and colourful gardens and those with difficult high banks had kept them tidy and mown.

“The churchyard and the green were well cared for although the small triangle at the corner going towards the footpath to the school would look better weeded and mown. The tree planting throughout the village was impressive, particularly around the barn meadow where the wild flower area was most attractive.

“Behind the Village Hall as the entry form suggested the recycling banks for clothes and glass did attract dumping, and some litter was also noticed around the children’s playground, but efforts had been made to brighten up the British Legion Club which looked more cheerful.

“The Savernake Forest Scouts Hall appeared to be in some disrepair and it was unclear whether it was still functioning, but the Red Lion Sports field opposite was immaculate as indeed were the tennis courts beyond and this must be a great asset to the village.

“The East Sands Store was clean and tidy and the two Public Houses looked inviting although The White Hart was undergoing renovation and would only open at the end of the week.

“The pond area looked nice and attractive if a little overgrown.

“The notice boards provided good and current information and the judges greatly appreciated the excellent map, which made finding their way around easy.

“The judges were impressed by the feel of the village, the community activities for all ages, and the plans for the future and wish to congratulate all those who helped to make Burbage such an attractive place.”