Category Winners

Audlem - Northern Region

The village of Audlem in Cheshire has a population of 2,000 and is located in the south of the county, close to the Shropshire border. Audlem is a thriving community and key to this vibrancy are the village’s many events which are popular with both the local community and the surrounding areas. These events have been successful at promoting community life in the village – getting all sections of the community to work together, as well as encouraging visitors to get involved on a regular basis. Funds raised as a result of this activity have been invested back into the community, contributing towards the upkeep of village facilities.

Various organisations, for example Audlem Special Events Team (ASET), work in conjunction with the Parish Council and local businesses to plan and fund events such as the Proms on the Park, a transport festival and a bonfire and fireworks spectacular every November. These events are essential to the community, keeping it the lively and active village it is.

Within Audlem there is a healthy relationship between the community and its businesses – a mutual relationship of support has been developed. Tourism is growing strongly in the village and visitors are welcomed. However, the emphasis has not been removed from the village’s own residents, and efforts are continually being made to ensure that everyone within the community is involved in village life. Younger residents are encouraged to voice their ideas and opinions and there is an awareness that more needs to be done to support younger residents in order to make it possible for them to continue living in the village into adulthood. Whilst services specifically to help and support Audlem’s older residents do exist, for example a hospital car scheme, in the main older residents see themselves very much as part of a fully integrated community.