Regional Winners

Loddon, Norfolk - Regional Winner 2005

The village of Loddon in Norfolk is situated on the southern bank of the River Chet and is home to around 2,500 people. The community is made up of a diverse range of ages and backgrounds – young families, older people, some new to the village and some born locally. However, what they all have in common is the strong belief that the village of Loddon is a friendly place to live in with a good community spirit.

There are over 60 clubs, groups and societies in the village, all of which work well together to achieve successful larger events such as a carnival and fete, which was enjoyed by over 2,000 local people. The entire community worked with the parish council to raise £75,000 to install a new children’s playground in the village. Residents have also worked together over the last three years to raise £80,000 through a variety of events for the refurbishment of the church tower, clock and bells. An ongoing project in Loddon is the establishment of a ‘Secret Garden’, an educational, conservation and amenity area in the village. Working on this project has brought together a wide range of groups in Loddon, from local businesses and schoolchildren to the British Legion and army cadets and, once completed, will be a true testament to the community spirit present in the village.

With a nursery and three schools educating children up to the age of 16, Loddon is very much a social hub for its own young residents and for young people from the surrounding smaller villages. The parish council listens carefully to the views and ideas of young villagers and, as a result, a youth club was launched in Loddon in April 2005 and initial steps are being taken to create a youth council, which it is hoped will be launched in early 2006. Older residents are also well cared for by the community, and benefit from the village’s range of shops and other essential services. Many remain extremely active and are able to retain much of their independence. For those living in sheltered housing, the village is very successful at integrating all residents into general community life.

Previous England - East Winners

2004 - Oakley

2003 - Coggeshall

2002 - Sutton

2001 - Holywell-cum-Needingworth