Woodsetts, Yorkshire

Woodsetts, Yorkshire, has won the Communications category for the North England region of the 2008 Calor Village of the Year®.

The village of Woodsetts, Yorkshire is a small rural village in a peaceful setting offering easy commuter access via the A57 and M1 to all major towns and cities in the area.

It has approximately 2,000 residents, some of whom are descendents of the original village families.

Community spirit in Woodsetts is thriving, with groups working together to ensure that events and activities that benefit as well as entertain the whole community take place on a regular basis.

A new village hall has provided a much needed venue following many years of hard work and the village hall committee has already begun the process of seeking funding for phase two of the project which will result in the provision of a first rate sporting facility for people of all abilities.

Not a village that is satisfied to rest on its laurels, in 2002 a Village Action Plan was produced following extensive consultation by the Parish Council with the residents. This lists a number of priorities for improvement to the village.

As a result, community capacity building has become a key feature of Parish Council activity, combining encouragement and support with practical assistance to community groups who have sprung up as a result of the plan e.g. the installation of a skate park.

Key in all its activities and projects is communication and this is where Woodsetts is particularly successful. The open forum at the beginning of each Parish Council meeting and the village newsletter ensure that any decisions made reflect, where possible, views that are expressed.

The welcome pack for newcomers and developing IT work are also to be commended, as is the strong desire to set up a youth council, with work already under way to make that happen.