Hemingby - Building Community Life Award Winner

Hemingby, although small with a population of just 210, has a big heart, a great support network and a strong community spirit.

The community really pulls together to ensure Hemingby is a happening place with over 23 events in a year. Youth members are involved in the council and all generations are encouraged to make the village a vibrant community for residents offering a real sense of belonging. The entry to Calor Village of the Year® was most welcome as the village is alive with all aspects of village life offering a great example of building a community.

Although traditionally the village roots lie in farming, the current businesses in Hemingby offer residents with a wealth of choice and employment opportunities. Young people are by no means sleepy in this village and are indeed consulted and drive decision making from play areas to games rooms and football pitches. The senior residents are respected and valued in Hemingby and integrate well with the rest of the community. Their input, from membership on committees to supporting events, is invaluable, so much so that their past experiences are being recorded for future generations to treasure as part of an ongoing history project.

Hemingby is in an ‘Area of Outstanding Beauty’ which residents protect with pride with a ‘Don’t Dump That’ scheme to encourage sensible disposal and litter clean ups. Conservation and restoration of areas near the original Roman roads will ensure long-term interest in grasses and wild flowers which will attract insect and birds to the bridleways.

Hemingby wants to be on the global map and the village has communal broadband and a computer installed at the ‘Coach and Horses’ for all villagers to use and keep track of all the activities and events to promote use of their website.

IMAGE: Village representatives gather to toast the success of Hemingby in the 2006/7 Calor Village of the Year® for England competition. Pictured in the foreground (left to right) are parish council chairman, Doug Rodwell; Helen Jones, the parish council vice chair and competition co-ordinator; and Rick Pearson of Calor. For more details of the prize handover, view the press release.

Visit the Hemingby web site at www.hemingby.com