Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2008 | Page 71
GARDENING
life
Photo: Arreton Village
National Farmers’ Union
were asked to provide
judges, and 11 villages
entered in that first year.
Bonchurch was the winner.
Since then the competition
has developed and evolved.
Initially an entrance fee
was required, but that was
later dropped in favour
of sponsorship. In 1979
a formal marking system
was introduced – judges
have to award marks out
of 16. And because villages
vary in size so much, they
are sorted into categories
which sound like sizes in a
clothes’ shop – from small
up to extra large. Villages
that are really towns fall
into the latter category.
As well as the main
competition, awards
are given for the best
conservation project
during the year, and the
best kept war memorial.
Judges are usually
approached for the role
when they have retired.
Chris used to work for
Plessy, and, he says, “never
expected to be doing
this.” But he’s been a
judge for nine years now.
So from the beginning
of May, he and his fellow
judges will be looking at
hedges, fences and walls;
recreational areas; the
surroundings of churches;
village pavements and
signs, notices and village
maps; bus shelters,
phone boxes, car parks
and public toilets.
“No-one knows when
we’re coming,” says Chris.
“We are looking for signs
of pride in a village.”
For further information
contact 01983 296954
or e-Mail: chris.
[email protected]
Island Life - www.isleofwight.net
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