Staffordshire’s Best Kept Village winners announced

Staffordshire’s Best Kept Village winners announced

STAFFORDSHIRE'S Best Kept Village Community Competition, which took place virtually this year, has announced the winners of the 2021 competition.

The competition (BKVC), which is managed by The Community Foundation and sponsored by Richard Winterton Auctioneers, was held virtually for the first time since it began in 1956 this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the circumstances, many communities across the county were keen to get involved and share their stories.

Traditionally the competition has involved several rounds of judging where volunteers travel to the various communities across Staffordshire to judge their efforts in the competition.

However, as this was not possible this year, the decision was made to amend the competition into a virtual event where participating communities could create their own ‘portfolio’ of events and activities happening where they live.

These were then submitted electronically to The Community Foundation for judging.

The Virtual BKVC 2021 results are as follows:

Winner of the Richard Winterton Auctioneers Award for Community Spirit – Hill Ridware

Winner of the CPRE Staffordshire Award for Community Spirit – Brewood

Winner of The Community Foundation Award for Community Spirit – Wombourne

Richard Winterton, pictured above presenting the Community Spirit Award to Hill Ridware, said: “It has been an honour to sponsor the new Best Kept Village Community competition, which this year has allowed people across Staffordshire the chance to showcase their communities virtually.

“I’d like to say a big well done to everyone who got involved in the competition, which had such a high calibre of entries.

“From lockdowns and other restrictions to the ongoing impact of Covid, it has been another 12 months where friendship in our local communities has perhaps never felt so important.

“This year’s BKVC has highlighted the many thriving, diverse communities in our wonderful county and we look forward to the 2022 competition taking shape in the coming months."

The 2021 Richard Winterton Auctioneers Award for Community Spirit was presented to Hill Ridware.

Jo Cooper, who manages the competition, added: “Many of the entries received this year as part of the virtual BKVC focused more on the community and really captured how well communities came together, particularly through the pandemic, to support one another.

"This is something that will undoubtedly be included in entries that are received for the competition next year, when we return to a full, traditional competition.

"I would like to thank all communities who showcased their community this year and say a huge well done to you all."

People who are interested in learning more about BKVC, or taking part next year, should call 01785 339540, email bkvc@staffordshire.foundation or visit their website.