Defra Support

Volunteer Fire Brigade to the Rescue!

Village Fact File
County: Northamptonshire
Village: Geddington
Location: On the A43 between Corby and Kettering
Population: 1,800
Website: www.geddington.net

Residents of Geddington believe that it is a special place to live because of its strong sense of community. Not only is there a lot to do in the village – a total of 38 social clubs regularly take place – but activities incorporate all ages interests and backgrounds. It is not often that the village hall is left idle during the week because so many functions are held there and it is so well used by the community. In fact, plans are currently being considered to extend the facility because of its popularity with residents.

Support for all members of the community in Geddington is available and everyone is encouraged to get actively involved in village life. This includes the village’s younger residents who have addressed the parish council on several occasions and who were involved in the collation of the Village Design Statement and the Village Plan. In general, the community spirit in Geddington is strong and most villagers are keen to get involved in village life on varying levels. Geddington Volunteer Fire Brigade (GVFB) is a good example of this. The Brigade was formed in 1977 during the national firemen’s strike and it is now a registered charity with about 80 members. Its aim is to support the local community in general, for example helping to keep the village clean and tidy and getting involved in community projects. Help is also available more specifically to individuals and local organisations. However, members also manage to have a great deal of fun along the way.

In order to keep all residents informed about community activities and the support networks available in the village, a newsletter is distributed to every home in the village on a regular basis. There are also frequent leaflet drops to advertise specific events and the village website (www.geddington.net) is a great place to visit and learn about local news and events. This is particularly useful to new residents who can learn all about what Geddington has to offer via the website.

Residents can keep abreast of news from the parish council with notices posted on the village noticeboard and the minutes of the meetings published on the website. The parish council also encourages villagers to take an active role in the decision making process, for example carrying out surveys of residents on particular issues. A recent village survey had a response rate from residents of 60% and provided the parish council with some useful suggestions on how to improve life in Geddington even further.

Residents are made to feel part of village life from the first moment, and that is very much the key to success in making Geddington the welcoming, strong spirited community that it is. Villagers are well informed and encouraged to voice their concerns or make suggestions as to how village life could be further improved. For those that require it, support is available and there are many willing to offer help when/if required. Geddington is an interesting village with an ancient historical background; however it’s the people living there today and their community spirit and drive that make it a great place to live.