Hampshire and Isle of Wight Village of the Year kindly sponsored by Fuller’s Brewery

The 'Village of the Year (VOY) is a long established competition supporting, encouraging and celebrating our rural communities. Village communities are self-defining; if the community considers it lives in a village, it is eligible to enter VOY. Previous winners include Chandlers Ford (East Hampshire), Liss (East Hampshire) 2017, Lyndhurst (New Forest) 2016,  Joint Winners of 2015 Bembridge (Isle of Wight) and Enham Alamein (Test Valley),  Bembridge (Isle of Wight) 2014, Bentworth (East Hampshire) 2013, Vernham Dean (Test Valley) 2012, Bishops Sutton (Winchester) 2011 and North Waltham (Basingstoke and Deane) 2010.

Village of the Year 2019

Hampshire Association of Local Councils is pleased to announce the 2019 winner of the FULLER’S Village of the Year is:

BISHOPS WALTHAM

Over the years, Bishops Waltham has clearly worked hard to establish a range of facilities for the village as well as being a hub for several smaller surrounding villages. 

There are over 70 different groups that provide an incredible range of special interest activities for the whole community. The Council provides support through the Bishops Waltham Town Team, which brings together representatives from a range of groups, as well as traders from the bustling, but traditional high street.  The Council also organises a good variety of events and entertainment activities throughout the year. 

Community Engagement is high.  Participation in shaping the future of the village is actively encouraged with many volunteers working in partnership with the Parish Council to develop the Local Plan.  The population of the village has grown substantially over recent years and will continue to do so for years to come.  The Council has worked hard to ensure as much development as possible happens near the village centre and is focused on ensuring this includes good quality affordable housing.

The judges were impressed by the friendly atmosphere of Bishops Waltham and how closely the local community works together through the Town Team and the Parish Council, ensuring this community is a great place to live for all its residents. 

Many congratulations! 

Runners Up:    Hook 

Congratulations also go to all our winners across the full range of categories.