Village Case Studies

All the villages featured here have entered and prospered in the competition's Building Community Life category. They are great examples of communities coming together to overcome challenges, achieve their goals and eliminate social excusion.

2006/2007 village case studies

Rich Social Calendar

Allendale in Northumberland is the perfect example of a community that has pulled together, in its entirity, to overcome difficult times. Working as one, villagers have survived adversity to become stronger than ever.

A Well-Presented Community

The Oxfordshire village of Filkins & Broughton Poggs has an inclusive approach that allows its different generations to live and work together with great success - something the young and the elderly displayed in their presentation to judges.

Everyone Involved

It may have a population of just 180 people, but Loxhore, in rural Devon, is a self sufficient village where everyone is involved in community life. The community spirit shone through recently when residents worked together to raise funds for work on their village hall.

2005 village case studies

The communities featured below have been chosen at random from the 2005 county Building Community Life entrants in order to give a flavour of how villages throughout England are, in their own ways, working towards eliminating social exclusion.

Volunteer Fire Brigade to the Rescue!

In general, the community spirit in Geddington, Northamptonshire is strong and most villagers are keen to get involved in village life on varying levels. Geddington Volunteer Fire Brigade (GVFB) is a good example of this.

Our Community Care

Rowde, Wiltshire could certainly be described as a ‘caring’ community with many facilities for both adults and children with disabilities and special needs from the local areas and farther-a-field throughout the county.

Scarecrows Welcome!

One of Flamstead, Hertfordshire's main events, the annual scarecrow festival, attracts thousands of visitors to the village every year.

Communication the Key

What this small village lacks in size, it more than makes up for in terms of its spirit and sense of community. Ashby Parva, Leicestershire is a welcoming village with caring and enthusiastic residents.

For more information on Defra - www.defra.gov.uk

If you would like to talk to representatives of any of the villages featured, please contact info@calorvillageoftheyear.org with details of which village you’re interested in and a brief outline of your questions.