BRATTON’S success in the annual Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Wiltshire Best Kept Village Competition was celebrated at a special ceremony this month.
For the next 12 months on the village green, an eight-foot standard with mounted shield will be on display, proudly boasting the fact that the village is Wiltshire’s best kept large village. Chair of Bratton Parish Council, Jeff Ligo, told White Horse News, “The award is a recognition that the village has worked together to improve the environment for all its residents.
“The volunteers in the Tidy Bratton Group, the Monday Gang and many individuals have been supported by the council’s contractor idverde and Wiltshire’s parish steward to ensure that the area’s path and roads were clear and litter free. The council had found additional resources, by careful management of its budget, since 2017 to support the volunteers and this has been well rewarded.
“Particular thanks must be given to Peter Brabner who not only leads the Tidy Bratton Group but co-ordinates the work of idverde and the parish steward. His commitment and enthusiasm is outstanding.”
A spokesperson from CPRE said, “Bratton was judged to be the Best Kept Large Village and was given an eight foot standard with mounted shield for a year, emplaced prominently on their village green. The judges were grateful for the comprehensive entry information (maps, village brief and Parish News). They were “hugely impressed” by the overall appearance of the church and churchyards. They had similar views about Reeves Orchard, the two allotment areas, conservation areas, the “immaculate” school surrounds, the war memorial, noticeboards and the recreation ground.
“There was a complete lack of litter even around busy public areas such as the shop and on the many paths. Overall, the result of “so much successful self-help” was very evident. After Anne Henshaw, chairman of the Wiltshire branch of CPRE, had welcomed a very large number of the village’s population, CPRE Wiltshire’s President, the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton, pulled away the Union Flag surmounting the standard which had been emplaced on the village green.
“Councillor James Sheppard, chairman of Wiltshire Council, presented the council’s plaque to Peter Brabner who is the leader of the Tidy Bratton group and coordinates the work of the parish council’s contractors, the parish steward and the many volunteers from the village.
“The High Sheriff, David Scott, presented the CPRE Wiltshire certificate to Ian Humphrey who is a member of both the Monday Gang who maintain the churchyard and the Tidy Bratton group. Peter Andrew, group director of The Hills Group, presented the Hills plaque to Shane Perry, a member of idverde, the parish council’s grounds maintenance contractor. Anne Henshaw presented the CPRE West Wiltshire certificate to Steve Wallen, one of the parish stewards who works in the village.
“Finally, Councillor Philip Whitehead, leader of Wiltshire Council, presented the CPRE Merit certificate for consistently high performance over the past four years to Nicola Morris, vice-chair of Bratton Parish Council. Councillor Jeff Ligo, the chair of Bratton Parish Council, gave a vote of thanks to villagers, the presentation team and the sponsors, before everyone present enjoyed a sandwich and cake lunch in the Jubilee Hall.”
The competition was sponsored by The Hills Group, Princeton Homes and Haine and Smith Opticians.
