Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Hilperton does it again...

Hilperton has won the west Wiltshire round of the Best Kept Large Village competition, beating Winsley, Holt, Bratton and Bowerhill.

It's an amazing achievement to win the title for three consecutive years and a credit to all concerned.

Winsley came second, Holt and Bratton joint third, with Bowerhill fifth.

The judges felt the standard of all the villages to be high, with the marking very close. They all had the challenge of a main road close to their amenities. A big plus was the absence of litter; almost none, so many congratulations on this. Any slight untidiness was the result of ‘work in progress’ by builders etc. and entirely understandable. A general pride in the village and the environment was obvious.

As far as Hilperton was concerned, the judges said that the allotment area was a particular delight, so well kept by every holder and, even more importantly, very productive. The exterior to St. Michael's Church and, in particular, the path up to the Church was planted with herbaceous plants, just right for a country setting.