Category Winners

Kelvedon - Eastern England and Home Counties

The village of Kelvedon is situated north east of Chelmsford in Essex and has a population of 4,000. It is a welcoming village that offers numerous events, activities and facilities for both residents and visitors alike, which are supported by an effective information network. A village website (www.kelvedon.org.uk) has just been established which includes the extensive information regarding community activities that is displayed and distributed to residents. Kelvedon even has its own Town Crier - a volunteer whose magnificent uniform was created entirely by local craftswomen.

The village has a long tradition of community action to benefit those in need, whether local individuals and organisations or causes from the other side of the world. For example, this year a raffle organised by volunteers raised £2,000 for a young father suffering from brain cancer and the WI supports a South American foster child. The Two Village Voluntary Association (TVVA), which encompasses Kelvedon and neighbouring village Feering, provides street wardens who are on watch for people who may be in need of help and support.

In particular, Kelvedon is very successful at providing for its older residents, many of whom are well into their 80s and 90s but still taking full part in village clubs and societies and recently retired residents play an essential role in voluntary organisations and interest groups. TVVA volunteers are responsible for the fortnightly day centre provided for older residents and also provide free transport to and from the event. Until recently the TVVA also ran a voluntary car scheme to take elderly residents to visit relatives in hospital. This has now been superseded by an excellent scheme organised by Braintree District Council. Older residents in Kelvedon are dedicated to the community and work hard to make changes in the village that will benefit all generations.