Ramsbury celebrates! Best Kept Large Village in Wiltshire

It’s official, Ramsbury has won the prestigious title – Best Kept Large Village in Wiltshire 2021. Ramsbury came out on top, beating 38 other villages, in the yearly competition organised by the countryside charity CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) and sponsored by The Hills Group.

Judges, who announced Ramsbury’s success at the end of last week, commented that the village “appeared as a well maintained village with an excellent community spirit and facilities, especially for a village of this size.” They also commented very favourably on the school surrounds, wilding in the churchyard and conservation areas, the war memorial, the Recreation Ground and the village website.

Mike Hill, chief executive of The Hills Group, said: “The competition encourages village residents to work together to build a stronger community.”

Ramsbury residents Karen and Mark Rees, were in charge of the competition entry and were supported by Sheila Glass (Chair of Ramsbury Parish Council) as well as many village groups and individuals who contributed their time, effort and skills.  With 38 other villages entering competition was tough.

Karen told Marlborough.news, “I’ve lived in Ramsbury for 21 years and this is the best place I’ve ever lived. It’s hard for a large village to win as you have to try to control so many variables. Gaining the Best Kept Village award was a team effort. We achieved this through the hard work of our Parish Council and the enormous effort made by local residents to reduce litter around the village, plant wild flower meadows to support our diminishing insect life, and our school’s focus on reducing plastic waste. Together we have worked to care for the environment in which we live. It’s been really great to see so many people involved especially the children.”

Sheila Glass, who has lived in Ramsbury for 44 years and who takes charge of the planting in the Memorial Garden and various tubs around the village, said, “Ramsbury is a lovely village and this award celebrates that.”

Ramsbury will formerly receive the award on Presentation Day, September 26. The presentation will be led by The Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire (the President of CPRE Wiltshire), the Chairman of CPRE Wiltshire, the sponsors’ representatives and senior members of Wiltshire Council.