RESIDENTS JOY AT VILLAGE OF THE YEAR SUCCESS
The unveiling of the sign was the only hitch to an otherwise uneventful celebration ceremony for Helmdon villagers on Saturday after winning the village of the year competition.
More than 50 villagers turned up to the war memorial to see Harold Seckington, 80, from Station Road, uncover the sign stating Helmdon to be “Northamptonshire‘s Village of the Year”.
At first the plastic sheeting covering wouldn’t budge but eventually, after much tugging, it came away amid many cheers.
About 100 out of 250 parishes in Northamptonshire entered the competition, run by Northamptonshire ACRE and Helmdon also scooped the competition’s Cup Winners Cup after winning village of the year in 1996.
To add to its glory, Helmdon also picked up a cup from South Northamptonshire District Council for the tidiest village in the district about a month ago.
In the competition each settlement is judged on activities that go on with an emphasis on community spirit, rather than being judged on how attractive and tidy it is.
Parish Council chair Terry Glassett said:” I think everyone was extremely surprised but also extremely proud.
“It’s a recognition of the community spirit that we have got.
“We’re not a particularly pretty village but it’s the strength of our community spirit that has won us this.”
Mr Seckington, who was born in the village and has been a parish councillor for many years, said: "It’s a wonderful achievement and hopefully it’ll mean that we’ll try to keep up the standard.”
Banbury Guardian
November 4th 1999 |