Hamlet celebrates being named best in county

7:10pm Friday 29th August 2008

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By Cathy Anstey »

A TINY community in the Teme Valley has won the top prize in the county round of a national competition.

Menith Wood, between Tenbury Wells and Stourport, is the 2008 Calor Worcestershire Village of the Year.

The hamlet was one of just two entries in this year’s contest, which is run by voluntary organisation Community First and sponsored by Calor.

The other Worcestershire entry – Martley, near Worcester – won the Information Communication Technology (ICT) award.

Competition organisers believe last year’s summer floods may have deterred villages from entering.

However, the competition is not about the prettiest village but focuses on community spirit and facilities such as ICT, recycling, transport, community living, day centres and conservation work.

Menith Wood received a plaque, certificate and £500 to spend on something to benefit the community.

It now goes on to represent the county at regional level where the top prize is £2,000. The successful regional entry competes at national level where £7,000 is up for grabs. In Herefordshire, Mansell Lacy, between Hereford and the Welsh border, won.

Pauline Dumville of Community First, said: “Overall, the standard of entries was very high so our congratulations go to all the villages involved, whether they have won a prize or not.

“We hope that even more communities are encouraged to get involved in the next year’s competition.”

The judges’ spokesman said: “There were some wonderfully welcoming villages in this year’s competitions and, as always, it was a shame that not every entrant could win.

“At a time when rural areas are being badly hit by rising costs, it was good to find the sort of communities where people are prepared to give their time and help to make their village a truly great place to live.”