Bratton crowned Wiltshire’s best kept village

VILLAGERS in Bratton are celebrating after winning Wiltshire’s best kept large village. 

Volunteers, the parish council and contractors have worked together over the last 12 months to transform Bratton into a winning village with The Campaign to Protect Rural England’s (CPRE) crowning it  as the best kept large village in Wiltshire.

The judges look at various elements in the village including tidiness, cleanliness, presentation and village community spirit. 

CPRE judges said, “We were so pleased to have judged a village where there has been so much successful self-help. There was so much that was very good; from the support for the environment, to care of the very young.

“Bratton yet again made a big effort to win the large village category this year. In recent years they have been first or second in the West Wiltshire large village category.  We were hugely impressed by the overall appearance of all three church areas.

“We also commented very favourably on the school surrounds, Reeves Orchard, conservation areas, the area around the shop, the war memorial, the village green, footpaths and the village website.”

The village is maintained by a number of different groups including the Tidy Bratton group, coordinated by Peter Brabner and volunteers including Angie and Eddie Cole, the Monday gang who tend to the church areas, support from the Bratton Parish Council in organising outside services and IDverde, who are contracted to maintain the larger areas and footpaths. 

Jeff Ligo, chair of Bratton Parish Council said, “It really is a development of a partnership between private, council and volunteers that has allowed us to achieve this incredible result. It is rather overwhelming but we are a proud winner. On behalf of the council I would like to say a huge thank you to the volunteers for helping and also Peter Brabner for being the driving force behind it all. 

“It is a great honour for the village and as a council, it is very pleasing to see the community join together and be rewarded.”

The award doesn’t just reflect how tidy the town is, but how they all work together to create a neighbourly village. 

As well as helping with tidying the town, other volunteers such as Allison Smith, children and families worker at Bratton Baptist Church, Marie Nunn from St James’ Church and Ian Humphrey from the Monday Gang help to bring the community together. 

Peter Brabner, who completed the application for the CPRE competition said, “It’s a wonderful result that will really benefit the community. It rewards the commitment of people across the village. We have a tremendous community here in Bratton that really makes you feel at home. Everyone here is neighbourly and willing to help, which is why we were able to win this year. 

“Not only does it make the town feel tidy, but it helps with mental wellbeing, loneliness and gives you a sense of safety if you know that there will always be people around the village to help you. 

“Well done to the entire village for this fantastic result.”

The competition is sponsored by Hills Waste, Princeton Homes and Haine and Smith opticians.