Wick, Vale of Glamorgan

Wick, Vale of Glamorgan, has won the South Wales region award for the 2008 Calor Village of the Year® for Wales.

The village of Wick is situated to the west of Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan and has a population of approximately 700.

It’s a busy village where there is always something going on! The village green incorporates both a play area and open space sufficient for playing sports such as cricket and football, as well as hosting community celebrations.

A short distance away is The Pavilion and rugby ground, home to Wick’s rugby and cricket clubs who share the facilities with the Youth Club, Community Council and other organisations like the school.

The Pensioners’ Association also meets in the Pavilion, giving older members of the community the opportunity to socialise and enjoy trips out and about.

There is clearly a good amount of community consultation in Wick and the views of both younger and older residents are sought in relation to community decisions.

Recent projects that have been supported and implemented by the Community Council for the village include the installation of speed signs, the planting of a permanent Christmas tree for community celebrations, the replacement and provision of additional public seating on the green, and a much needed zebra crossing providing safe crossing to the village shop.

Villagers attend council meetings when agenda items are of interest or when they wish to raise a matter. The meetings are also attended by the community police officer and a good working relationship exists between the villagers and the police.

Two thriving village pubs and a local shop provide essential services to all members of the community, particularly those who are unable to travel to other towns. Local businesses are also very supportive of community events, loaning equipment and offering their skills when required.

Environmentally, Wick is making concerted efforts to recycle as much as possible, as well as planting trees and putting up bird boxes at either end of the village. Both the village school and the Community Council are moving towards a paperless environment, using email as much as possible.