Edington is a small quiet village, but it is a very active community with numerous events taking place during the year.
It also has a very active Parish Council looking after the interests of the community at large.
Eric Mitchell, Chair, Edington Parish Council reported, “The village has continued with its normal annual activities, which include the May Ball (who make donations to local charities), the WI (who have many interesting guest speakers), the Flower and Produce show (run by the Edington Gardening Club who meet monthly), the very popular village fair, the village pumpkin day (aimed at younger residents), amongst many other groups.
“They are well attended and provide vital funds and excitement for the support of our village life. Most of these activities are overseen by a group called ERLAC (Edington Recreation and Leisure Activities Committee) who aim to ensure all the planned activities do not conflict with each other; ERLAC also arranges for general maintenance around the village helping to make the village a pleasant place to live in.
“We have also been fortunate to see the opening of the new farm shop alongside the Three Daggers pub, which provides a wide range of locally produced fresh food for those in the village and surrounding areas. Also a pleasant place to go next door for a coffee or a bite of lunch.
“A new Parish Council was appointed in May, with four long-standing members making way for new blood. The loss of experience was immense, but we still know where to find them when we need some guidance!! The new members come to the committee with fresh ideas and renewed vigour with all the efforts of the council being directed towards the interests of the parish.
“The village play-field has been the subject of new investment with more equipment having been installed for the benefit of the younger members of the community. It is pleasing to see the playfield being well utilised by young children and their parents.
“We are fortunate in having really good support from our local Police Constable And Community Support Officer who help maintain the standards we expect in the village. The PC and CSO are regular attendees at both Parish Council meetings and at the village drop in held in the Three Daggers every Tuesday. The PC and CSO attend on the last Tuesday of the month to listen to concerns raised by villagers.
“The village purchased a new mini-bus this year to replace the five-year old bus which was getting a bit tired. The mini-bus is for the benefit of the three villages of Edington, Coulston and Erlestoke, hence it being called the Three Villages Mini-Bus.
“Edington Station Yard celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. This was established to provide good quality accommodation at reasonable rents to local businesses and enterprises. It has proved to be very popular and successful.
“A new village web-site has been established which gives background to the village and listings of village events for those who want to become more involved. The village web-site can be found at: www. edingtonwiltshire.org.uk.
“So, it has been a very busy year again and most of these activities will continue into next year. The other major item on next year’s agenda is the remodeling of the road junction between Monastery Road and Lower Road. This is being undertaken in conjunction with Wiltshire Council Highways to simplify the junction into a single ‘T’ junction, making it safer for road traffic and pedestrians.
“A very happy and healthy New Year to all of you.”
