Entry Guidelines

The judges will spend up to two hours listening to your presentation and this time also includes questions. Discuss with the judges’ visit organiser what they prefer. (Note if you get through to the final round you should check what the second set of judges want – it may not be the same as the first set of judges!)

If you feel that your case will be helped by showing the judges aspects of your village this must be accommodated within the two hours. It will save you time if you have transport organised in advance. As a general rule, although judges will be interested to see a village, they have really come to hear from the village people about community life. Do not use up your precious time with too much historical background.

The time given may seem short but it does help everyone to focus and it means that each village gets the same treatment. Please therefore keep your presentation to the time allowed. The judging team will be expecting you to keep to the time allocated.

The style and format of your presentation is entirely up to you. Please remember that this is your opportunity to tell the judges what your community has achieved. Plan your presentation and involve as many organisations and individuals representative of your community.

There are no limits on the number of people who can be present or who can speak. We have found that some villages like to have representatives from different organisations to make “mini” presentations on their particular roles in village life. Others have made presentations using three or four key speakers. Limit each speaker to a set time.

Some villages have mounted presentations by inviting organisations to arrange displays (usually in the village hall) and have representatives present to speak to the judges.

The size of the presentation audience has varied from two to two hundred, depending upon style of presentation chosen. If villagers are interested in coming along, please feel free to encourage them.

What is important to the judges is the impression of your village they take away with them. They will already have read about the village through your entry form. Use the presentation to expand on this and make your village “come to life” A good yardstick might be – make the judges feel they want to live in your village – it’s that good!

If you wish to provide light refreshments to the judges during their two hour visit, this will be much appreciated. However, they will not be able to give marks for the quality of the biscuits or sandwiches, no matter how good!