Shropshire’s ‘best kept village’ named as county competition returns

Originally launched in the 1960’s, the Best Kept Village & Community Competition was last held more than ten years ago, but  now has a new lease of life under the stewardship of the Community Foundation for  Staffordshire and Shropshire. 

For its return, nearly 20 villages vied for the title of being named the county’s best village 2024.. 

Worthen & Brockton, which sits between Shrewsbury and Church Stretton, were crowned overall winners, receiving a certificate, trophy and an accompanying cash prize to buy something for their village. 

Clive and Gill Worthen, who led the campaign for their village, were presented with their award at an event put on at Worthen Village Hall,  attended by members of the local community. 

Clive Worthen said: “We are absolutely  delighted to put it mildly. There is a fantastic sense of community spirit in the village and it  is nice to see everyone work together. We’re already looking forward to defending our title  in next year’s competition”. 

Local councillor Heather Kidd said, “What a fantastic initiative, and a fantastic achievement  for Worthen & Brockton claiming the top spot from 20 entrants”. 

Due to the quality of the entries there were joint runners up, with Childs Ercall and Nesscliffe  each taking a prize.  

James Maddocks, Chair of Childs Ercall Parish Council, said: “Our community works so  hard in providing all our residents with many different community events, and coming  runner up in BKVC is great recognition for this. Recently we have been awarded the Jan  Snell Award for an outstanding community contribution with the replacement  playground, and this continues our success.” 

Rebecca Turner, Clerk to Great Ness and Little Ness Parish council added: “The  community really cares about Nesscliffe, and as a parish council we have taken several  steps to enhance the community, such as landscaping an area of community land, a  new play area/fitness equipment and widening of pathways and cutting hedges. 

“We  would like to particularly thank Great Mess to Little Mess, a community organised group  of volunteers who go the extra mile to keep the community looking great, with activities  such as litter picks and can collections.” 

Steve Adams, Chief Executive at the Community Foundation said: “We took over this  competition in Staffordshire in 2018, and thought it was a shame that Shropshire didn’t have  its own version. We’re delighted to be able to launch such a valuable community initiative to encourage people to come together and support one another, and the place that they call  home.”

Paula Craven, Projects Manager at the Community Foundation, who oversees the  competition added: “The calibre of entries was fantastically high considering that this is its  inaugural year. I’m already looking at 2025, and we’re already getting ready for the next  competition. 

“I’d encourage any village or community to enter. It’s a fantastic way to  celebrate life within their community, and to show others what a fantastic community they  come from. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing more information about how people  can get involved.” 

Anyone interested in taking part can contact the Community Foundation on 01743 295900  or by email office@shropshire.foundation